Device-assisted stationary mode

Abstract

A user equipment (UE) (102) in a mobile cellular network (100) implements one or more techniques to relax radio resource management mobility (RRM) actions. For example, the UE selects, based on a stationary confidence rank (214) indicating a confidence level in an assessment that the UE is in a stationary state, a set of conditions (216) for one or more stationary modes (138). The UE implements a stationary mode of the one or more stationary modes or a non-stationary mode based on the selected set of conditions. Responsive to whether the stationary mode or the non-stationary mode is implemented at the UE, the UE selectively performs one or more RRM relaxation actions (218) to relax or reduce RRM actions at the UE.

Description

DEVICE-ASSISTED STATIONARY MODEBACKGROUND

[0001] The management of energy consumption by smartphones and other user equipment (UE) has become a focus for enhancing user experience. As these devices have evolved to provide a broad array of functionalities beyond basic communication, their energy requirements have significantly increased. This elevation in functionality and dependence has highlighted the importance of energy efficiency, with a particular emphasis on reducing battery consumption during periods of inactivity. Users anticipate minimal battery depletion when their devices are idle, for instance, when left on a table with the screen turned off, to avoid unnecessary energy waste.

[0002] Parallel to these concerns, advancements in smartphone technology have notably expanded the radio capabilities of these devices. Each new generation of smartphones introduces improved communication features, which, despite their benefits, lead to greater power usage. A substantial part of this increased energy consumption is due to the continuous monitoring and management of frequency bands necessary for maintaining network connectivity. This function, identified as Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Radio Resource Management Mobility (RRM), plays a substantial role in the operation of smartphones. However, RRM is also a significant source of power drain.SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

[0003] In accordance with one aspect, a method at a user equipment (UE) in a cellular network includes selecting, based on a stationary confidence rank indicating a confidence level in an assessment that the UE is in a stationary state, a set of conditions for one or more stationary modes. A stationary mode of the one or more stationary modes or a non-stationary mode is implemented at the UE based on the selected set of conditions. Responsive to whether the stationary mode or the non-stationary mode is implemented at the UE, one or more radio resource management mobility (RRM) relaxation actions are selectively performed at the UE.

[0004] In at least some embodiments, selectively performing the one or more RRM relaxation actions includes performing one or more power saving operations at the UE responsive to implementing the stationary mode at the UE.

[0005] In at least some embodiments, selectively performing the one or more RRM relaxation actions includes performing the one or more RRM relaxation actions responsive to implementing the stationary mode at the UE, and refraining from performing any RRM relaxation actions responsive to implementing the non- stationary mode at the UE.

[0006] In at least some embodiments, the method further includes obtaining device state information for the UE, and generating the stationary confidence rank based on the device state information.

[0007] In at least some embodiments, the device state information includes one or more of device battery state information, sensor information, screen state information, telephony Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) state information, wireless local area network (WLAN) connectivity information, Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) metrics.

[0008] In at least some embodiments, generating the stationary confidence rank includes evaluating, based on the device state information, a different set of rank conditions for each stationary confidence rank of a plurality of stationary confidence ranks. The stationary confidence rank is generated in response to the set of rank conditions for the stationary confidence rank being satisfied.

[0009] In at least some embodiments, the set of conditions selected for a higher stationary confidence rank is less restrictive for implementing the stationary mode than a lower stationary confidence rank.

[0010] In at least some embodiments, selecting the set of conditions includes selecting a set of conditions for the one or more stationary modes that are different than a set of conditions associated with the one or more stationary modes for a different stationary confidence rank.

[0011] In at least some embodiments, selectively performing the one or more RRM relaxation actions includes evaluating, based on device state information for the UE, at least one mobility condition of the selected set of conditions, and evaluating, based on cellular information, at least one cell edge level condition of the selected set of conditions.

[0012] In at least some embodiments, the cellular information includes radio frequency (RF) metrics.

[0013] In at least some embodiments, evaluating the at least one mobility condition includes comparing a relative reference signal received power (RSRP) change of the UE to at least one RSRP threshold.

[0014] In at least some embodiments, evaluating the at least one cell edge level condition includes comparing a serving cell signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) to at least one SINR threshold.

[0015] In at least some embodiments, the one or more stationary modes include a first stationary mode and a second stationary mode. Selecting the set of conditions includes selecting, based on the stationary confidence rank, a first set of conditions for the first stationary mode, and selecting, based on the stationary confidence rank, a second set of conditions for the second stationary mode, wherein the second set of conditions are different than the first set of conditions.

[0016] In at least some embodiments, selectively performing the RRM relaxation actions includes evaluating the first set of conditions for the first stationary mode, and evaluating the second set of conditions for the second stationary mode.Implementing the stationary modes includes implementing one of the first stationary mode or the second stationary mode.

[0017] In at least some embodiments, performing the one or more RRM relaxation actions includes performing a first set of RRM relaxation actions in response to implementing the first stationary mode, or performing a second set of RRM relaxation actions in response to implementing the second stationary mode. The first set of RRM relaxation actions provides an increased relaxation of RRM actions over the second set RRM relaxation actions.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect, a user equipment device includes one or more radio frequency (RF) modems configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one network, one or more processors coupled to the one or more RF modems, and at least one memory storing executable instructions, the executable instructions configured to manipulate at least one of the one or more processors or the one or more RF modems to perform the methods described above and herein.

[0019] In accordance with a further aspect, a computer-readable storage medium embodies a set of executable instructions, the set of executable instructions to manipulate a user equipment device to perform the methods described above and herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art, by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wireless system employing a UE configured to implement device-assisted stationary modes for reducing RRM activities and related energy consumption in accordance with some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example RRM relaxation mechanism employed by the UE of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example hardware configuration of a UE of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the UE of FIG. 1 for implementing one or more device-assisted stationary modes in accordance with some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 together are a sequence diagram illustrating an example sequence of operations between components of the UE of FIG. 1 for implementing one or more device-assisted stationary modes at the UE in accordance with some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method for implementing device-assisted stationary modes at the UE of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Delivering an optimal user experience in smartphone technology necessitates a delicate balance between providing advanced functionality and mitigating power consumption. Central to this challenge is the issue of energy usage, particularly during periods of inactivity, such as when a smartphone is left idle with the screen off. Despite expectations for minimal battery drain during these times, smartphones and other user equipment (UE) can lose a significant amount of battery capacity overnight in such conditions. The advent of smartphones has also introduced more sophisticated radio communication technologies. While these advancements have greatly improved connectivity and network access, they have concurrently increased power consumption. A significant portion of this increase can be attributed to the continuous monitoring performed for network connection maintenance, a process known as 3GPP RRM, which is also a notable factor in battery depletion.

[0028] In scenarios where the device is stationary with a strong network signal, the benefits of energy conservation becomes even more pronounced. Reducing RRMactivities in such contexts could extend battery life. To address these challenges, various strategies have been identified by both standardization bodies and the wider industry. The 3GPP, for example, has proposed adjusting cellular parameters, such as signal quality and strength variations. However, these solutions do not consider the potential contributions of other device capabilities, such as sensor data or wireless local area network (WLAN)(e.g., IEEE 802.11 or “Wi-Fi”) connectivity, and largely depend on network deployment and optimization practices. Also, network vendors have generally not prioritized features directed at reducing power consumption on the UE side. Efforts such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE) RRM Relaxation in 3GPP Release 14 and New Radio (NR) RRM Relaxation in 3GPP Release 16 have seen limited implementation, confined to particular network providers, with little expectation for broad adoption.

[0029] UE manufacturers and modem vendors have tried to mitigate energy use, especially in situations characterized by low mobility or when the device is not at the edge of a cell network. However, these efforts are typically constrained and encounter limitations when only cellular data is available to determine the device's mode or when the available device state information does not significantly influence the actions of the cellular modem to relax RRM under optimal conditions.

[0030] As such, the following describes embodiments of systems and methods for implementing device-assisted stationary modes at a UE that employ one or more selective RRM relaxation actions for reducing RRM activities and related energy consumption. As described in greater detail below, a UE evaluates its stationary state and cell edge state and selectively a stationary mode for reducing RRM activities based on this evaluation. The term “stationary”, as used herein, refers to low mobility states, such as the UE being still or moving below a specified threshold velocity (e.g., moving at or below a walking velocity, such as 5 miles per hour (mph)). In at least some embodiments, the UE uses device state information and cellular modem information to evaluate or determine the stationary state of the UE.

[0031] For example, the UE generates a stationary confidence rank (also referred to herein as “confidence rank”) based on the device station information. The stationary confidence rank conveys a level of certainty or probability that the assessment of the UE being in a stationary state is accurate. In at least some embodiments, the attributes of the device state information have weights associated therewith, which reflect the attributes’ relative importance or influence on the stationary confidence rank. In these embodiments, the UE generates the stationary confidence rank as a function of the weights associated with the current device state information of the UE.

[0032] The UE uses the stationary confidence rank to determine a set of conditions for selectively employing one of a plurality of different stationary modes, each with a different set of RRM relaxation actions associated therewith. Stated differently, based on the stationary confidence rank, the conditions are adapted to evaluate the qualification to enter one of the plurality of stationary modes. The higher the stationary confidence rank, the lower the threshold for additional conditions to enter the stationary mode since there is more confidence about the relaxation of cellular activity. As such, the UE selects a different set of conditions to evaluate for the same stationary mode depending on the stationary confidence rank generated by the processor.

[0033] The stationary mode conditions, in at least some embodiments, include mobility conditions and cell edge level conditions. The UE, in at least some embodiments, determines if a mobility condition is satisfied based on, for example, the cellular information, such as signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), reference signal received power (RSRP), and the like. The UE, in at least some embodiments, determines if a cell edge condition is satisfied based on, for example, cellular information, such as SINR. For example, the cell edge level conditions include a cell edge level having a first SINR threshold, a first non-cell edge level having a second SINR threshold greater than the first SINR threshold, and a second non-cell edge level having a third SINR threshold greater than the second SINR threshold.

[0034] Depending on the stationary mode conditions selected by the UE and whether the selected conditions are satisfied, the UE enters into, for example, a full stationary mode, a partial stationary mode, or a normal mode. For example, if the selected stationary mode conditions are not satisfied, the UE enters into or maintains a normal / default mode of operation in which RRM relaxation actions are not performed. In other embodiments, a default set of RRM relaxation actions is performed in the normal mode. Also, in at least some embodiments, if the stationary confidence rank is below a rank threshold, this indicates there is a low probability that the UE is stationary and the UE enters into the normal mode without considering the stationary mode conditions. In the full stationary mode, the UE implements a first set of RRM relaxation actions, such as suspending cell reselection procedures up to a first threshold amount of time, relaxing the searching for high priority frequency layers (high priority search mode) during cell reselection by a specified factor (e.g., 1 hour), a combination thereof, and the like. In the partial stationary mode, the UE implements a second set of RRM relaxation actions, such as relaxing cell reselection scheduling by a specified factor, tracking and measuring only the strongest serving cell Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), adjusting paging Monitoring Occasions (MOs), a combination thereof, and the like. In at least some embodiments, the RRM relaxation actions performed during the full stationary mode are more aggressive than the RRM relaxation actions performed during the partial stationary mode. That is, the RRM relaxation actions performed during the full stationary mode provide a higher level or an increased amount of RRM relaxation than the RRM relaxation actions performed during the partial stationary mode.

[0035] As such, the systems and techniques described herein provide for more robust stationary detection for UEs than conventional mechanisms. For example, utilizing device state information to generate a stationary confidence rank and using this stationary confidence rank to evaluate different stationary conditions, including mobility and cell edge level conditions, allows for the UE to more accurately determine its stationary state, which results in lower false positives and an improved user experience. Also, more aggressive RRM relaxation actions can be taken basedon the stationary confidence rank, which leads to additional power savings over conventional mechanisms.

[0036] For ease of illustration, the following techniques are described in an example context in which one or more UEs and one or more RANs implement at least a Fourth Generation (4G) Long-Term Evolution (3GPP LTE) standard (e.g., 3GPP Release 8, Release 9, Release 10, etc.) or a Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) standard (e.g., 3GPP Release 15, 3GPP Release 16, 3GPP Release 17, etc.) (hereinafter, "5G NR" or "5G NR standard"). However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to networks employing an LTE or 5G NR RAT configuration, but rather, the techniques described herein can be applied to any RAT employed at the UEs and the RANs that implement Radio Resource Management Mobility operations are an equivalent thereof. It should also be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to any specific network configurations or architectures described herein for implementing device-assisted stationary modes at UEs for relaxing RRM activities. Instead, techniques described herein can be applied to any configuration of RANs. Also, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and context described herein, but rather, the techniques described herein can be applied to any network environment where a UE implements device-assisted stationary modes at a UE for relaxing RRM activities.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile cellular network 100 (also referred to here as “cellular network 100” or “network 100”) in accordance with at least some embodiments. As shown, the mobile cellular network 100 includes a device, such as a user equipment (UE) 102, that is configured to communicate with one or more base stations (BSs) 104 (illustrated as BS 104-1 and BS 104-2) through one or more wireless communication links 106 (illustrated as wireless links 106-1 and 106-2). The UE 102, in at least some embodiments, includes any of a variety of wireless communication devices, such as a cellular phone, a cellular-enabled tablet computer or cellular-enabled notebook computer, a cellular-enabled wearable device, an automobile, or other vehicle employing cellular services (e.g., for navigation, provision of entertainment services, in-vehicle mobile hotspots, etc.), and so on. In atleast some embodiments, the UE 102 employs a single RAT 108. In other embodiments, the UE 102 is a multi-mode UE that employs multiple RATs 108 (illustrated as RAT 108-1 and RAT 108-2). Examples of multiple RATs include cellular-based RATs, such as a 3GPP Long-Term Evolution (3GPP LTE) RAT, a 3GPP Fifth Generation New Radio (5G NR) RAT, a WLAN RAT, and the like. It should be understood that although FIG. 1 only shows the UE 102 implementing two different RATs 108, the UE 102, in at least some implementations, implements three or more different RATs 108. In at least some embodiments, one or more RAT modules 110 (illustrated as RAT module 110-1 and RAT module 110-2) manage the RATs 108 and enable communication between the UE 102 and the radio access technology of the network 100. The one or more RAT modules 110, in at least some embodiments, include one or more of a modem chipset(s) of the UE 102, a protocol stack(s), driver software, and the like.

[0038] In at least some embodiments, the BSs 104 are implemented in a macrocell, microcell, small cell, picocell, and the like, or any combination thereof. Examples of base stations 104 include an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network Node B (E-UTRAN Node B), Evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), Next Generation (NG or NGEN) Node B (gNode B or gNB), and so on. The BSs 104 communicate with the UE 102 via the wireless links 106, which are implemented using any suitable type of wireless link. The wireless links 106, in at least some embodiments, include a downlink of data and control information communicated from the base stations 104 to the UE 102, an uplink of data and control information communicated from the UE 102 to the BSs 104, or both. In at least some embodiments, the wireless links 106 (or bearers), such as data radio bearers (DRBs) and signal radio bearers (SRBs), are implemented using any suitable communication protocol or standard, or combination of communication protocols or standards, such as 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G NR, and so on. In at least some embodiments, multiple wireless links 106 are aggregated in a carrier aggregation to provide a higher data rate for the UE 102. Also, multiple wireless links 106 from multiple BSs 104 are configured, in at least some embodiments, for coordinated multipoint (CoMP) communication with the UE 102, as well as dual connectivity, such as single-RAT LTE-LTE or NR-NR dual connectivity, or multi-radioaccess technology (Multi-RAT) dual connectivity (MR-DC) including E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity (EN-DC), NGEN radio access network (RAN) E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity (NGEN-DC), and NR E-UTRA dual connectivity (NE-DC).

[0039] The BSs 104 collectively form a Radio Access Network (RAN) 112, such as an E-UTRAN or 5G NR RAN. The base stations 104 are connected to a core network (CN) 114 (illustrated as CN 114-1 and CN 114-2) via control-plane and userplane interfaces through one or more links 116 (illustrated as link 116-1 and link 116- 2). Depending on the configuration of the mobile cellular network 100, the core network 114 is either an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network 114-1 or a 5G Core Network (5GC) 114-2. For example, in an E-UTRAN configuration or a 5G non- standalone (NSA) EN-DC configuration, the core network 114 is an EPC network 114-1 that includes, for example, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 118, a Serving Gateway (SGW) 120, and a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) 122. The MME 118 provides control-plane functions, such as registration and authentication of multiple UEs 102, authorization, mobility management, and so on. The SGW 120 transfers user-plane packets related to audio calls, video calls, Internet traffic, and the like. The PGW 122 provides connectivity from the UE 102 to external packet data networks 124, such as the Internet 126 and an Internet Protocol MultimediaSubsystem (IMS) network 128, by being the point of exit and entry of traffic for the UE 102. In a 5G standalone (SA) configuration or an NSA NE-DC or NGEN-DC configuration, the core network 114 is a 5GC network 114-2. The 5GC 114-2 includes, for example, an Access and Mobility Management function (AMF) 130, a User Plane Function (UPF) 132, and a Session Management Function (SMF) 134. The AMF 130 provides control-plane functions such as registration and authentication of multiple UEs 102, authorization, mobility management, and so on. The UPF 132 transfers user-plane packets related to audio calls, video calls, Internet traffic, and the like. The SMF 134 manages protocol data unit (PDU) sessions.

[0040] In at least some embodiments, the core network 114 communicatively couples the UE 102 to an IMS network 128 via the RAN 112. The IMS network 128 provides various IMS services to the UE 102, such as IMS short messages, IMSunstructured supplementary service data (LISSD), IMS value-added service data, IMS supplementary service data, IMS voice calls, and IMS video calls. To this end, an entity (e.g., a server or a group of servers) operating in the IMS network 128 supports packet exchange with the UE 102. The packets convey signaling (such as session initiation protocol (SIP) messages, IP messages, or other suitable messages) as well as data (or media), such as voice or video. In at least some embodiments, the IMS network includes entities (not shown) such as a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF), an Interrogating Call Session Control Function (l-CSCF), a Serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF), a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF), and the like.

[0041] As described above, optimizing user experience at a UE 102 involves balancing advanced functionality with power management, especially since energy consumption is critical during periods of inactivity. The introduction of sophisticated radio communication technologies has improved connectivity but also increased power consumption, largely due to the continuous network monitoring performed for 3GPP RMM, which significantly impacts battery life. Therefore, the UE(s) 102 of one or more embodiments employs at least one RRM relaxation mechanism 136 that robustly detects when the UE is in a low mobility state (e.g., still or moving at a walking velocity) and employs one or more stationary modes 138 during which RRM activities are reduced for conserving energy at the UE 102.

[0042] For example, FIG. 2 illustrates various example operations or processes employed singularly or in various combinations by the UE 102 as part of the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 in accordance with at least some embodiments. In at least some embodiments, these operations include device state and cellular information procurement 202, stationary confidence ranking 204, stationary condition evaluation 206, and deployment 208. Each of these operations is discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 3 to FIG. 7. For device state and cellular information procurement 202, the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 obtains device state information 210 and cellular information 212 from the UE 102. Examples of the device state information 210 include state or status information of: one or moredevice batteries; one or more thermal sensors; one or more displays; VoWiFi connectivity; WLAN connectivity; combinations thereof; and the like. Examples of cellular information 212 include radio frequency (RF) metrics, such as SINR, RSRP, SINR / RSRP slope estimation, and the like.

[0043] For stationary confidence ranking 204, the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 uses the device state information 210 to generate a stationary confidence rank 214, also referred to herein as “stationary confidence rank 214”, indicating a probability that the assessment of the UE 102 being in a stationary state is accurate. The RRM relaxation mechanism 136 selects, based on the stationary confidence rank 214, a set of stationary mode conditions 216 (also referred to herein as “conditions 216”) from a plurality of stationary conditions to evaluate for placing the UE 102 into one of a plurality of stationary modes 138. Depending on the stationary confidence rank 214, the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 selects a different set of stationary mode conditions 216 for each of the stationary modes 138. Stated differently, different conditions 216 are selected for the same stationary mode 138 depending on the stationary confidence rank 214.

[0044] During stationary condition evaluation 206, the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 evaluates the stationary mode conditions 216 that were selected based on the stationary confidence rank 214. The stationary mode conditions 216, in at least some embodiments, include mobility conditions 216-1 (e.g., still mobility conditions and low mobility conditions) and cell edge level conditions 216-2 (e.g., cell edge conditions, first level non-cell edge conditions, and second level non-cell edge conditions). Therefore, stationary condition evaluation 206 includes one or more suboperations or processes, such as a device mobility detection 206-1 and a cell edge level detection 206-2. As part of device mobility detection 206-1 , the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 determines if a mobility condition 216-1 is satisfied based on, for example, the cellular information 212 such as SINR, RSRP, SINR / RSRP slope estimation, and the like. For example, a still mobility condition, in at least some embodiments, is satisfied when the UE 102 has a relative RSRP change of a first threshold (e.g., 3 dB), and a low mobility condition, in at least some embodiments, issatisfied when the UE 102 has a relative RSRP change of a second threshold (e.g., 5 dB) that is greater than the first threshold. A relative RSRP change is the difference between the current RSRP and the average RSRP. It should be understood that other RSRP threshold values are applicable as well. In at least some embodiments, the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 also uses sensor information, such as accelerometer information or gyroscope information, to determine if a mobility condition has been satisfied.

[0045] As part of cell edge level detection 206-2, the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 determines if a cell edge level condition 216-2 is satisfied based on, for example, cellular information 212, such as SINR. For example, the cell edge level conditions 216-2 include a cell edge condition having a first SINR threshold, a first non-cell edge level condition having a second SINR threshold greater than the first SINR threshold, and a second non-cell edge level condition having a third SINR threshold greater than the second SINR threshold.

[0046] During deployment 208, the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 places the UE 102 into one of a plurality of stationary modes 138, each being configured to apply a different set of RRM relaxation actions 218. For example, the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 places the UE 102 into a full stationary mode 138-1 or a partial stationary mode 138-2 based on evaluating the stationary mode conditions 216 described above. In at least some embodiments, the full stationary mode 138-1 configures the UE 102 with a first set of RRM relaxation actions 218-1 , such as suspending cell reselection procedures up to a first threshold amount of time, relaxing the searching for high priority frequency layers (high priority search mode) during cell reselection by a specified factor (e.g., 1 hour), a combination thereof, and the like. In at least some embodiments, the partial stationary mode configures the UE 102 with a second set of RRM relaxation actions 218-2, such as relaxing cell reselection scheduling by a specified factor, tracking and measuring only the strongest serving cell SSB, adjusting paging Monitoring Occasions (MOs), a combination thereof, and the like. The RRM relaxation actions 218-1 performed during the full stationary mode 138-1 provide a higher level or an increased amount of RRM relaxation than the RRMrelaxation actions 218-2 performed during the partial stationary mode 138-2. In addition to the full stationary mode 138-1 and the partial stationary mode 138-2, if the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 determines that the stationary mode conditions 216 are not satisfied, the RRM relaxation mechanism 136 places the UE into or maintains a normal / default mode (also referred to herein as a “non-stationary mode”) of operation in which RRM relaxation actions 218 are not performed or a set of default RRM relaxation actions are performed. The RRM relaxation actions 218, in at least some embodiments, including power saving operations at the UE 102 such as reducing RRM activities performed by the UE 102.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates an example device diagram 300 of a UE 102. In at least some embodiments, the device diagram 300 describes a UE that implements the device-assisted stationary modes and RRM action relaxation techniques described herein. The UE 102 may include additional functions and interfaces that are omitted from FIG. 3 for the sake of clarity. The UE 102, in at least some embodiments, includes antennas 302, a radio frequency (RF) front end 304, and one or more RF transceivers 306 (e.g., a 3GPP 4G LTE transceiver 306-1 and a 3G NR transceiver 306-2) for communicating with one or more base stations 104 in a RAN 112, such as a 3G RAN, an E-UTRAN, a combination thereof, and so on. In at least some embodiments, the RF transceivers 306 are RF modems, and thus are also referred to herein as “RF modem 306”. The RF front end 304, in at least some embodiments, includes a transmitting (Tx) front end 304-1 and a receiving (Rx) front end 304-2. The Tx front end 304-1 includes components such as one or more power amplifiers (PA), drivers, mixers, filters, and so on. The Rx front end 304-2 includes components such as low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, filters, and so on. The RF front end 304, in at least some embodiments, couples or connects the one or more RF transceivers 306, such as the LTE transceiver 306-1 and the 3G NR transceiver 306- 2, to the antennas 302 to facilitate various types of wireless communication.

[0048] In at least some embodiments, the antennas 302 of the UE 102 include an array of multiple antennas configured similarly to or different from each other. The antennas 302 and the RF front end 304, in at least some embodiments, are tuned toor are tunable to one or more frequency bands, such as those defined by the 3GPP LTE, 3GPP 3G NR, IEEE wireless local area network (WLAN), IEEE wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), or other communication standards. In at least some embodiments, the antennas 302, the RF front end 304, the LTE transceiver 306-1 , and the 3G NR transceiver 306-2 are configured to support beamforming (e.g., analog, digital, or hybrid) or in-phase and quadrature (l / Q) operations (e.g., I / Q modulation or demodulation operations) for the transmission and reception of communications with one or more base stations 104. By way of example, the antennas 302 and the RF front end 304 operate in sub-gigahertz bands, sub-6 GHz bands, above 6 GHz bands, or a combination of these bands defined by the 3GPP LTE, 3GPP 3G NR, or other communication standards.

[0049] In at least some embodiments, the antennas 302 include one or more receiving antennas positioned in a one-dimensional shape (e.g., a line) or a two- dimensional shape (e.g., a triangle, a rectangle, or an L-shape) for implementations that include three or more receiving antenna elements. While the one-dimensional shape enables the measurement of one angular dimension (e.g., an azimuth or an elevation), the two-dimensional shape enables two angular dimensions to be measured (e.g., both azimuth and elevation). Using at least a portion of the antennas 302, the UE 102 can form beams that are steered or un-steered, wide or narrow, or shaped (e.g., as a hemisphere, cube, fan, cone, or cylinder). The one or more transmitting antennas may have an un-steered omnidirectional radiation pattern or may produce a wide steerable beam. Either of these techniques enables the UE 102 to transmit a radio signal to illuminate a large volume of space. In some embodiments, the receiving antennas generate thousands of narrow steered beams (e.g., 2000 beams, 4000 beams, or 6000 beams) with digital beamforming to achieve desired levels of angular accuracy and angular resolution.

[0050] The UE 102, in at least some embodiments, includes one or more sensors 308 implemented to detect various properties such as one or more of temperature, supplied power, power usage, battery state, and the like. Examples of sensors include a thermal sensor, a battery sensor, a power usage sensor, and so on.

[0051] The UE 102 also includes at least one processor 310. The processor 310, in at least some embodiments, is a single-core processor or a multiple-core processor composed of a variety of materials, such as silicon, polysilicon, high-K dielectric, copper, and so on. In at least some embodiments, the processor 310 is implemented at least partially in hardware, including, for example, components of an integrated circuit or a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a digital-signal-processor (DSP), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), other implementations in silicon or other hardware, or a combination thereof.

[0052] Examples of the processor(s) 310 include a communication processor, an application processor, microprocessors, DSPs, controllers, and so on. A communication processor, in at least some embodiments, is implemented as a modem baseband processor, software-defined radio module, configurable modem (e.g., multi-mode, multi-band modem), wireless data interface, wireless modem, or so on. In at least some embodiments, a communication processor supports one or more of data access, messaging, or data-based services of a wireless network, as well as various audio-based communication (e.g., voice calls). An application processor, in at least some embodiments, provides computing resources to applications executing on the UE 102. For example, an application provides a self-contained operating environment that delivers system capabilities (e.g., graphics processing, memory management, and multimedia processing) to support applications executing on the UE 102.

[0053] The UE 102 further includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage media 312 (CRM 312). The computer-readable storage media described herein excludes propagating signals. The CRM 312, in at least some embodiments, includes any suitable memory or storage device such as random-access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or Flash memory useable to store device data 314 of the UE 102. In at least some embodiments, the device data 314 includes user data, multimedia data, beamforming codebooks, applications 316, a user interface(s) 318,an operating system of the UE 102, and so on, which are executable by the processor(s) 310 to enable user-plane communication, control-plane signaling, and user interaction with the UE 102. The user interface 318, in at least one embodiment, is configured to receive inputs from a user of the UE 102. In at least some embodiments, the user interface 318 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that receives the input information via a touch input. In other instances, the user interface 318 includes an intelligent assistant that receives the input information via an audible input or speech. Alternatively, or additionally, the operating system of the UE 102 is maintained as firmware or an application on the CRM 312 and executed by the processor(s) 310.

[0054] The CRM 312, in at least some embodiments, further includes one or more of the device state information 210, cellular information 212, stationary confidence ranks 214, stationary mode conditions 216, station mode configurations 324, and RRM relaxation actions 218, described above with respect to FIG. 2. The CRM 312 further includes either or both of a communication manager 320 and a stationary mode manager 322. Alternatively, or additionally, either or both of the communication manager 320 and the stationary mode manager 322, in at least some embodiments, are implemented in whole or part as hardware logic or circuitry integrated with or separate from other components of the UE 102. In at least some embodiments, the communication manager 320 configures the RF front end 304, the LTE transceiver (modem) 306-1 , the 3G NR transceiver (modem) 306-2, or a combination thereof, to perform one or more wireless communication operations. The stationary mode manager 322, in at least some embodiments, implements the RRM relaxation mechanism(s) 136 described above with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to detect when the UE is in a stationary state (e.g., still or moving at a walking velocity) and employs one or more stationary modes 138 during which RRM activities are reduced for conserving energy at the UE 102. In at least some embodiments, the stationary mode manager 322 implements the RRM relaxation mechanism(s) 136 or one or more of the operations described herein in response to the UE 102 being in an inactive state, such as a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one example configuration 400 of the LIE 102 for implementing the stationary mode manager 322. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 and other configurations are applicable as well. Further, the configuration 400 of FIG. 4 is described with reference to the example sequence (ladder) diagram 500 of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

[0056] In the configuration 400 illustrated in FIG. 4, the UE 102 implements multiple processors 310, such as an application processor (AP) 310-1 and a cellular processor (CP) 310-2. The application processor 310-1 , in at least some embodiments, acts as the central processing unit responsible for executing various tasks for the operation of the UE 102. For example, the application processor 310-1 runs the operating system, which manages the hardware resources of the UE 102 and facilitates the execution of applications. This includes, for example, launching and running of both user-installed and system applications and processing of various data types, ranging from textual inputs to multimedia files. In at least some embodiments, the application processor 310-1 also manages the preparation and processing of data for network transmission, which involves tasks such as compressing videos for upload or processing incoming data for application use. The application processor 310-1 , in at least some embodiments, also includes specialized components, such as a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) for enhanced graphics rendering and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for efficient audio processing.

[0057] The cellular processor 310-2, in at least some embodiments, is responsible for managing the radio communications between the UE 101 and the cellular network 100. The cellular processor 310-2 manages the processing of signal transmission and reception. For example, the cellular processor 310-2 performs tasks such as modulation, demodulation, encoding, and decoding of signals, as well as executing protocols that comply with cellular standards (e.g., LTE, 5G, etc.). This includes managing the UE’s connection to the network 100 ensuring secure and efficient data transmission, handling voice and data services, and switching between different types of networks (e.g., from LTE to WLAN).

[0058] The stationary mode manager 322, in at least some embodiments, is distributed across the application processor 310-1 and the cellular processor 310-2, or is implemented at a single processor 310. The stationary mode manager 322 includes, for example, a connectivity manager 402, a device state manager 404, a device state receiver 406, and a stationary confidence rank generator 408 (also referred to herein as “stationary confidence rank generator 408”), a stationary mode condition selector 410 (also referred to herein as “condition selector 410”), and a condition evaluator 412. In at least some embodiments, two or more of these components are implemented as a single component or part of another component. For example, the condition selector 410 and the condition evaluator 412, in at least some embodiments, are implemented as part of the modem 306, or as part of a component of the modem 306, such as the modem baseband processor (also referred to herein as “baseband processor”), which handles the digital aspects of communication, including signal processing, modulation, and encoding / decoding of data. Also, in at least some embodiments, one or more of these components are implemented in whole or part as hardware logic or circuitry integrated with or separate from other components of the UE 102.

[0059] The application processor 310-1 , in at least some embodiments, includes the connectivity manager 402 and the device state manager 404. The cellular processor 310-2, in at least some embodiments, includes a modem(s) 306 (or a component(s) thereof, such as the baseband processor), the device state receiver 406, the stationary confidence rank generator 408, condition selector 410, and condition evaluator 412. The connectivity manager 402, in at least some embodiments, monitors the radio interfaces of the UE 102 and obtains information associated therewith. For example, the connectivity manager 402 monitors or communicates with the modem(s) 306 and a WLAN module 414 of the UE 102, and obtains 502 (FIG. 5) radio interface information, such as data connection state information and signal quality information, for each of these interfaces. In at least some embodiments, the data connection state information indicates whether the specified interface is in use or not in use. The signal quality information for a cellular radio interface (e.g., the modem(s) 306) is determined using metrics such as SINR, RSRP,a combination thereof, and the like. These metrics, in at least some embodiments, are obtained for a serving cell, one or more neighboring cells, or a combination thereof. The signal quality information for a WLAN radio interface (e.g., the WLAN module 414) is determined using metrics such as received signal strength indicator (RSSI), noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a combination thereof, and the like. The connectivity manager 402, in at least some embodiments, also classifies 504 (FIG. 5) an identified WLAN connection (e.g., an IEEE 802.11 or “Wi-Fi” connection) as, for example, metered or unmetered. In at least some embodiments, the data connection state information for the radio interfaces, the signal quality information for the WLAN radio interface, and the WLAN classifications are stored as part of the device state information 210. The signal quality information for the cellular radio interface, in at least some embodiments, is stored as part of the cellular information 212.

[0060] The device state manager 404, in at least some embodiments, collects or obtains 506 (FIG. 5) device state information 210 and cellular information 212 for the UE 102 from the connectivity manager 402. In at least some embodiments, the device state manager 404 also collects or obtains 508 (FIG. 5) device state information 210 from the connectivity manager 402, one or more device state monitoring services 416 implemented by the UE 102, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) application 418 (or service) implemented at the UE 102, a telephony IMS manager 420, a combination thereof, and the like. Examples of the device state information 210 obtained by the device state manager 404 include device battery state information (e.g., plugged in, unplugged, battery level, power mode, etc.), sensor information (e.g., device thermals, angular velocity, linear acceleration, etc.), screen / display state information (e.g., screen on, screen off, screen share activated, in-car infotainment connectivity, etc.), telephony IMS state information (e.g., Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) connectivity information), WLAN connectivity information, MVNO metrics (e.g., reliability in terms of stable throughput for data connections, audio quality metrics for voice calls, etc.), an indication of the default radio interface(s) (e.g., WLAN, cellular, etc.), a combination thereof, and the like. In at least some embodiments, the device state manager 404 obtains the device state information 210 and cellular information 212 directly from the component thatgenerated the information or from storage, memory, cache, registers, buffers, a combination thereof, and the like.

[0061] In at least some embodiments, the device state manager 404 provides 510 (FIG. 5) the device state information 210 to the device state receiver 406. In other embodiments at least a portion of the device state information 210, cellular information 212, or both is provided to the device state receiver 406 directly from its source instead of being provided by the device state manager 404. For example, the telephony IMS manager 420 can provide the Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) connectivity information directly to the device state receiver 406. The device state receiver 406, in at least some embodiments, sends 512 (FIG. 5) the device state information 210 to the stationary confidence rank generator 408.

[0062] The stationary confidence rank generator 408 uses the device state information 210 to generate 514 (FIG. 5) a stationary confidence rank 214 for the UE 102. As described above, the stationary confidence rank 214 indicates a level of certainty or probability that the assessment of the UE 102 being in a stationary state is accurate. In at least some embodiments, the stationary confidence rank generator 408 considers device state information 210 such as battery state, sensor information, screen / display state information, VoWiFi connectivity information, WLAN connectivity information, a combination thereof, and the like. Examples of battery state include default power mode, battery saving mode, plugged in, unplugged, battery level, and the like. In at least some embodiments, the stationary mode manager 322 applies a more aggressive stationary mode 138 for a lower battery level than a higher battery level. Examples of sensor information include device thermals, angular velocity, linear acceleration, and the like. In at least some embodiments, the stationary mode manager 322 prioritizes a stationary mode when the device thermals are above a thermal threshold. Stated differently, the use of the stationary mode is encouraged under these conditions by, for example, relaxing the criteria to enter into the stationary mode.

[0063] Examples of screen / display state information include screen on, screen off, screen share, in-car infotainment connectivity, and the like. In at least some embodiments, the stationary mode manager 322 only implements a stationary mode 138 at the UE 102 when the screen state is on, either at the UE 102 or a sharing device. However, in other embodiments, the stationary mode manager 322 also implements a stationary mode 138 at the UE 102 when the screen state is off. Examples of VoWiFi connectivity information include a VoWiFi registered state and a VoWiFi non-registered state. In at least some embodiments, the stationary mode manager 322 prioritizes a stationary mode if the UE 102 is in a VoWiFi registered state. Examples of VoWiFi connectivity information include a VoWiFi registered state and a VoWiFi non-registered state. In at least some embodiments, the stationary mode manager 322 prioritizes a stationary mode if the UE 102 is in a VoWiFi registered state. Examples of WLAN connectivity information include a connected stated, a non-connected state, a metered connection, an unmetered connection, with Internet service, without Internet service, and the like. In at least some embodiments, the stationary mode manager 322 prioritizes a metered WLAN connection with Internet service over a non-metered connection with Internet service, or vice versa.

[0064] The stationary confidence rank generator 408 uses one or more techniques for generating the stationary confidence rank 214. In at least some embodiments, the stationary confidence rank generator 408 determines the stationary confidence rank 214 based on one or more device states and their parameters (obtained from the device state information 210) satisfying one or more rank conditions associated with a stationary confidence rank 214. In one example, a first stationary confidence rank (i.e., the highest rank), which indicates a highest confidence that the UE 102 is stationary, includes conditions such as the WLAN connection state being connected, unmetered, and with Internet access. If the UE 102 implements an MVNO, one or more additional conditions, such as the MVNO preferring WLAN, can be implemented as well. A second stationary confidence rank, which is lower than the first rank, includes conditions such as the WLAN connection state being connected, metered, and with Internet access; a temperature of the UE 102 being above a temperature threshold; VoWiFi connectivity being in a registered state; or a combination thereof.A third stationary confidence rank, which is lower than the second ran and indicates a lowest confidence that the UE 102 is stationary, includes conditions such as all other WLAN connection states (e.g., no WLAN connection, no Internet access, and the like), a screen in an off state, or a combination thereof. In at least some examples, two or more of the stationary confidence ranks have a common condition(s), such as the battery being in a plugged-in state. It should be understood that other conditions are applicable as well and the number of stationary confidence ranks can vary. Also, in at least some embodiments, the conditions, parameters, or weights used to determine the stationary confidence ranks 214 are adapted or adjusted based on the habits or activity of the user associated with the UE 102. Examples of habits include sleeping hours, working hours, driving habits, and the like. Activity, such as sleeping a night, is used to generate or select a higher stationary confidence rank since the UE 102 is less likely to be non-stationary when the user is sleeping. User activity information, in at least some embodiments, is obtained by the UE 102 from a wearable device (or other device) associated with the user.

[0065] In at least some embodiments, the stationary confidence rank generator 408 implements one or more other techniques for generating the stationary confidence rank 214, such as a rules-based scoring technique, decision trees and random forests, gradient boosting machines (GBMs), neural networks (NNs), and the like. For example, when implementing a rules-based scoring technique the stationary confidence rank generator 408 assign scores to different states or ranges for each device state parameter (e.g., WLAN connection state, battery level, temperature). For instance, a WLAN connected unmetered state with Internet access can score higher than a WLAN connected unmetered state with Internet access. These scores are then combined with predefined weights to reflect their importance. A logistic regression technique models the probability that a device is stationary as a function of the device state information. By analyzing the relationship between various device state indicators (e.g., WLAN connection state and related parameters, battery level, temperature, etc.) a logistic regression model calculates the likelihood of the UE 102 being stationary.

[0066] A decision tree and random forest technique segments the device state information 210 based on specific conditions that correlate with a stationary state. In one example, a decision tree uses thresholds (e.g., a certain battery level) to split the device state information 210 into branches, each ending in a prediction about the stationary state of the UE 102. Random forests enhance this technique by creating an ensemble of decision trees based on random subsets of data and features, then averaging their predictions to improve accuracy and robustness.

[0067] A GBM technique uses an iterative process to refine its predictions. In this technique, each new model in the sequence focuses on correctly predicting the instances that previous models got wrong, which effectively reduces the overall prediction error. For example, consider a scenario where the stationary confidence rank generator 408 is trying to predict the stationary status of the UE 102 based on two main indicators: WLAN connectivity state and thermals. In this example, a GBM model can start by creating a simple model, perhaps focusing solely on WLAN connectivity state. The GMB may find that when the UE 102 with a WLAN connected state that is unmetered and has Internet access it is more likely to be in a stationary state. The next model in the sequence then focuses on correcting error made by the previous model. For example, the model may notice that some devices with a WLAN connected state (unmetered and has Internet access) but with high temperatures are often stationary. The GBM algorithm will give more weight to these misclassified instances in the next round of modeling, improving the overall prediction. This process continues, with each new model targeting the specific instances that previous models struggled with.

[0068] A neural network(s) takes the different types of device state information 210 as input. Each input contributes to understanding the UE’s state in relation to being stationary. The neural network(s) processes these inputs through multiple layers, each capable of detecting and interpreting different patterns and relationships within the data. As the data passes through the neural network(s), initial layers can identify basic trends and subsequent layers combine these basic insights into more complex patterns, such as how specific combinations of a WLAN connected state that isunmetered and has Internet access correlates with the UE 102 being stationary. The final layer of the neural network acts as the classifier, synthesizing the insights derived from previous layers into a comprehensive assessment of the device’s stationary status. Here, instead of simply predicting “stationary” or“non-stationary”, the network outputs a probability score. This score represents the confidence level of the network’s prediction, with values closer to 1 indicating high confidence that the UE 102 is stationary, and values near 0 suggesting the UE 102 is likely not stationary. This output probability score serves as the stationary confidence rank 214 for the stationary status of the UE 102 activity status.

[0069] The stationary mode condition selector 410 obtains 516 (FIG. 6) the stationary confidence rank 214 from the stationary confidence rank generator 408 and uses the stationary confidence rank 214 to select 518 (FIG. 6) or identify a set of conditions 216 for selectively employing one of a plurality of different stationary modes 138, such as full stationary mode 138-1 or a partial stationary mode 138-2. In at least some embodiments, each stationary confidence rank 214 is mapped to a different set of conditions 216 for each stationary mode 138. Stated differently, based on the stationary confidence rank 214, the conditions 216 are adapted to evaluate the qualification to enter one of the plurality of stationary modes 138. The higher the stationary confidence rank 214, the lower the threshold (e.g., less conditions or the conditions are less restrictive) to enter the stationary mode 138 since there is more confidence about the relaxation of cellular activity. Stated differently, the set of conditions 216 selected for a higher stationary confidence rank is less restrictive for implementing the same stationary mode 138 than a lower stationary confidence rank 214. As such, the stationary mode manager 322 selects a different set of conditions 216 to evaluate for the same stationary mode 138 depending on the stationary confidence rank 214 generated by the stationary confidence rank generator 408.

[0070] The stationary mode conditions 216, in at least some embodiments, include mobility conditions 216-1 and cell edge level conditions 216-2. The mobility conditions 216-1 include conditions such as a still condition and low mobilitycondition. An example of the still condition is a relative RSRP change that satisfies a first threshold (e.g., a relative RSRP equal to or less than 3 dB). An example of the low mobility condition is a relative RSRP change that satisfies a second threshold, which is greater than the first dB threshold (e.g., a relative RSRP greater than 3 dB but less than or equal to 5 dB). If a mobility condition 216-1 is satisfied, the stationary mode manager 322 considers the UE 102 to be in the mobility state (e.g., still mobility state or low mobility state) associated with that mobility condition 216-1 .

[0071] The cell edge level conditions 216-2 include conditions such as a cell edge condition, a first level non-cell edge condition, and a second level non-cell edge condition. An example of the cell edge condition is an SI NR that satisfies a third threshold (e.g., less than or equal to 3 dB). An example of the first level non-cell edge condition is an SINR that satisfies a fourth threshold, which is greater than the third threshold (e.g., greater than 3 dB and less than or equal to 8 dB). An example of the second level non-cell edge condition is an SINR that satisfies a fifth threshold, which is greater than the fourth threshold (e.g., greater than or equal to 8 dB). If a cell edge level condition 216-2 is satisfied, the stationary mode manager 322 considers the UE 102 be in the cell edge level state (e.g., cell edge state, first non- cell edge state, or second non-cell edge state) associated with that cell edge level condition 216-2.

[0072] In at least some embodiments, the thresholds associated with the cell edge level conditions 216-2 define a hysteresis between the levels to avoid jumping between the cell edge level states. For example, for the UE 102 to enter into the first level non-cell edge state, the fourth threshold is set to a first dB value (e.g., 3 dB) but for the UE 102 to exit the first level non-cell edge state and enter into the cell edge state, an additional threshold is associated with the first level non-cell edge state having a second dB value (e.g., 0 dB) that is lower than the first dB value. In this example, for the UE 102 to enter into the second level non-cell edge state, the fifth threshold is set to a third dB value (e.g., 8 dB) but for the UE 102 to exit the second level non-cell edge state and enter the first non-cell edge state, an additional threshold is associated with the second level non-cell edge state having a fourth dBvalue (e.g., 5 dB) that is lower than the third dB value. In at least some embodiments, a transition from the second level non-cell edge state to the first level non-cell edge state or cell edge state depends on the signal change. For example, if the signal change satisfies the fourth threshold, the UE 102 transitions from the second level non-cell edge state to the first level non-cell edge state. Otherwise, the UE 102 transitions to the cell edge state.

[0073] The set of conditions 216 selected for the full stationary mode 138-1 based on the first stationary confidence rank include, for example, the still mobility condition and the first non-cell edge condition. The set of conditions 216 selected for the full stationary mode 138-1 based on the second stationary confidence rank or the third stationary confidence rank include, for example, the still mobility condition and the second non-cell edge condition. However, in other embodiments, the set of conditions 216 selected based on the second stationary confidence rank is different than the set of conditions 216 selected based on the third stationary confidence rank. It should be noted that, in addition to the conditions 216 described above, other conditions 216 are also applicable.

[0074] The set of conditions 216 selected for the partial stationary mode 138-2 based on the second stationary confidence rank include, for example, the low mobility condition or the first non-cell edge condition. The set of conditions 216 selected for the partial stationary mode 138-2 based on the third stationary confidence rank include, for example, the low mobility condition or the second non- cell edge condition. In at least some embodiments, conditions 216 for the partial stationary mode 138-2 are only selected in response to the second and third stationary confidence ranks and not the first stationary confidence rank. However, in other embodiments, conditions 216 are also selected for the partial stationary mode 138-2 in response to the first stationary confidence rank. It should be noted that, in addition to the conditions 216 described above, other conditions 216 are also applicable.

[0075] The stationary mode condition evaluator 412 obtains 520 (FIG. 6) or identifies the selected conditions 216 for the stationary modes 138 and also obtains 522 cellular information 212 from the device state receiver 406 or the modem 306. The condition evaluator 412 evaluates 524 (FIG. 6) these conditions 216 for one or more of the full stationary mode 138-1 or the partial stationary mode 138-2 to determine which, if any, of these stationary modes 138 should be implemented by the UE 102. In at least some embodiments, the condition evaluator 412 evaluates the selected conditions 216 continuously or after a time interval has passed (e.g., every 30 to 60 seconds).

[0076] As described above, in at least some embodiments, the selected conditions 216 include one or more mobility conditions 216-1 and one or more cell edge level conditions 216-2. Therefore, as part of evaluating the conditions 216, the condition evaluator 412 determines if a mobility condition 216-1 is satisfied based on, for example, the cellular information 212 such as SINR, RSRP, SINR / RSRP slope estimation, and the like. In one example, to determine if a mobility condition 216-1 , such as a still mobility condition or a low mobility condition, is satisfied, the condition evaluator 412 compares the relative RSRP change of the UE 102, which is obtained from the cellular information 212, to a relative RSRP change threshold. A relative RSRP change is the difference between the current RSRP and the average RSRP, which is taken over a specified number of samples, such as 8 samples. In this example if the relative RSRP change of the UE 102 satisfies the relative RSRP change threshold, the condition evaluator 412 determines that the mobility condition 216-1 is satisfied, otherwise the mobility condition 216-1 is not satisfied. As described above, in at least some embodiments, the dB value (or range of values) of the RSRP change threshold associated with a low mobility condition is greater than the dB value (or range of values) of the threshold associated with a still mobility condition.

[0077] In at least some embodiments, as part of evaluating the conditions 216, the condition evaluator 412 further determines if a cell edge level condition is satisfied based on, for example, the cellular information 212 such as SINR, RSRP,SINR / RSRP slope estimation, and the like. In one example, to determine if a cell edge level condition 216-2, such as a cell edge condition or non-cell edge condition, is satisfied, the condition evaluator 412 compares the serving cell SINR, which is obtained from the cellular information 212, to an SINR threshold. In this example if the serving cell SINR satisfies the SINR threshold, the condition evaluator 412 determines that the cell edge level condition 216-2 is satisfied, otherwise the cell edge level condition 216-2 is not satisfied.

[0078] Based on evaluating the conditions 216, the condition evaluator 412 configures 526 (FIG. 6) the UE 102 to implement a stationary mode 138. For example, if the condition evaluator 412 determines that the conditions 216 for the full stationary mode 138-1 are satisfied, the condition evaluator 412 configures the UE 102 to perform RRM relaxation actions 218-1 associated with the full stationary mode 138-1 . If the conditions 216 for the full stationary mode 138-1 are not satisfied but the conditions 216 for the partial stationary mode 138-2 are satisfied, the condition evaluator 412 configures the UE 102 to perform RRM relaxation actions 218-2 associated with the partial stationary mode 138-2. However, if neither the conditions 216 for the full stationary mode 138-1 or the partial stationary mode 138-2 are satisfied, the condition evaluator 412 configures the UE 102 to maintain or enter into a normal (non-stationary) mode in which no RRM relaxation actions 218 are performed or a default set of RRM relaxation actions 218 are performed. In at least some embodiments, the condition evaluator 412 configures one or more components of the modem 306, such as the baseband processor (or another component) to perform the RRM relaxation actions 218.

[0079] In at least some embodiments, when the UE 102 implements the full stationary mode 138-1 , the RRM relaxation actions 218-1 performed 528 (FIG. 6) by the modem 306 (e.g., by the baseband processor), or the cellular processor 310-2 in general, include suspending cell reselection procedures up to a first threshold amount of time, suspending a high-priority search mode by a specified factor (e.g., 1 hour), suspending or relaxing paging monitoring, suspending or relaxing serving cell tracking and measuring, a combination thereof, and the like. In at least someembodiments, the UE 102 implements the full stationary mode 138-1 while the conditions 216 remain satisfied. The stationary mode manager 322, in at least some embodiments, re-evaluates the conditions 216 at each Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle or other interval of time.

[0080] When the UE 102 implements the partial stationary mode 138-2, the RRM relaxation actions 218-2 performed 528 (FIG. 6) by the modem 306 (or cellular processor 310-2 in general) include relaxing cell reselection scheduling by a specified relaxation factor (e.g., increasing intervals between cell reselection actions by a factor of N, where N is a positive real number), restricting tracking and measuring to only the strongest serving cell SSB, only re-evaluating the strongest beam with the corresponding intra-frequency search and measurement cycle, adjusting paging MOs (e.g., only based on strongest serving SSB), a combination thereof, and the like. In at least some embodiments, the UE 102 implements the partial stationary mode 138- 2 while the conditions 216 remain satisfied. The stationary mode manager 322, in at least some embodiments, re-evaluates the conditions 216 at each DRX cycle or other interval of time. The RRM relaxation actions 218-1 performed during the full stationary mode 138-1 provide a higher level or an increased amount of RRM relaxation than the RRM relaxation actions 218-2 performed during the partial stationary mode 138-2.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example method 700 of a UE 102 implementing device-assisted stationary modes that employ one or more RRM relaxation actions for reducing RRM activities and related energy consumption in accordance with at least some embodiments. The processes described below with respect to method 700 have been described above in greater detail with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6. It should be understood that method 700 is not limited to the sequence of operations shown in FIG. 7, as at least some of the operations can be performed in parallel or in a different sequence. Moreover, in at least some embodiments, method 700 can include one or more different operations than those shown in FIG. 7.

[0082] At block 702, the stationary mode manager 322 determines if the UE 102 is in an inactive state, such as an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state. If the UE 102 is not in an inactive state, the process flows to block 720 and the UE 102 maintains or is configured to enter into a normal or default (non-stationary) mode in which the UE 102 refrains from performing RRM relaxation actions 218. At block 704, if the UE 102 is in an inactive state, the stationary mode manager 322 obtains device state information 210 and cellular information 212 for the UE 102. At block 706, the stationary mode manager 322 generates a stationary confidence rank 214, which indicates a level of certainty or probability that the assessment of the UE 102 being in a stationary state is accurate.

[0083] At block 708, the stationary mode manager 322 selects or identifies a set of stationary mode conditions 216 for one or more of a plurality of stationary modes 138, such as a full stationary mode 138-1 or partial stationary mode 138-2, based on the stationary confidence rank 214. In at least some embodiments, the stationary mode manager 322 selects a different set of conditions 216 for the same stationary mode 138 depending on the stationary confidence rank 214. Also, different conditions 216 are selected for the different stationary modes 138. In at least some embodiments, the stationary mode manager 322 selects conditions 216 for an initial stationary mode 138 and, if needed, selects conditions 216 for a subsequent stationary mode after the conditions 216 selected for the initial stationary mode 138 have been evaluated.

[0084] At block 710, the stationary mode manager 322 evaluates the selected conditions 216. At block 712, the stationary mode manager 322 determines if the selected conditions 216 for the full stationary mode 138-1 are satisfied. If these conditions 216 are satisfied, the process flows to block 716. At block 714, if these conditions are not satisfied, the stationary mode manager 322 determines if the selected conditions 216 for the partial stationary mode 138-2 are satisfied. If these conditions 216 are not satisfied, the process flows to block 720 and the UE 102 maintains or is configured to enter into a normal or default mode in which RRMrelaxation actions 218 are not performed or a default set of RRM relaxation actions 218 are performed.

[0085] At block 716, if the conditions 216 of a stationary mode 138 being evaluated are satisfied, the stationary mode manager 322 configures the UE 102 to perform a set of RRM relaxation actions 218 associated with the stationary mode 138. At block 718, the stationary mode manager 322 determines if the conditions 216 selected for the stationary mode 138 should be re-evaluated (e.g., a re-evaluation trigger event has occurred). If the stationary mode manager 322 determines that the conditions 216 do not need to be re-evaluated, the stationary mode manager 322 continues to determine if the conditions 216 should be re-evaluated. If the conditions 216 are to be re-evaluated, the process returns to block 702 and the operations described above with respect to blocks 702 to 718 are repeated.

[0086] In some embodiments, certain aspects of the techniques described above may be implemented by one or more processors of a processing system executing software. The software comprises one or more sets of executable instructions stored or otherwise tangibly embodied on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The software can include the instructions and certain data that, when executed by the one or more processors, manipulate the one or more processors to perform one or more aspects of the techniques described above. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium can include, for example, a magnetic or optical disk storage device, solid state storage devices such as Flash memory, a cache, random access memory (RAM) or other non-volatile memory device or devices, and the like. The executable instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable storage medium may be in source code, assembly language code, object code, or other instruction format that is interpreted or otherwise executable by one or more processors.

[0087] A computer readable storage medium may include any storage medium, or combination of storage media, accessible by a computer system during use to provide instructions and / or data to the computer system. Such storage media caninclude, but is not limited to, optical media (e.g., compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-Ray disc), magnetic media (e.g., floppy disc, magnetic tape, or magnetic hard drive), volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or cache), non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) or Flash memory), or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based storage media. The computer readable storage medium may be embedded in the computing system (e.g., system RAM or ROM), fixedly attached to the computing system (e.g., a magnetic hard drive), removably attached to the computing system (e.g., an optical disc or Universal Serial Bus (USB)-based Flash memory), or coupled to the computer system via a wired or wireless network (e.g., network accessible storage (NAS)).

[0088] Note that not all of the activities or elements described above in the general description are required, that a portion of a specific activity or device may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed, or elements included, in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed. Also, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0089] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims. Moreover, the particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the disclosed subject matter may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. No limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than asdescribed in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A method at a user equipment (UE) (102) in a cellular network (100), the method comprising: selecting, based on a stationary confidence rank (214) indicating a confidence level in an assessment that the UE is in a stationary state, a set of conditions (216) for one or more stationary modes (138); implementing, based on the selected set of conditions, a stationary mode of the one or more stationary modes or a non-stationary mode at the UE; and selectively performing one or more radio resource management mobility (RRM) relaxation actions (218) responsive to whether the stationary mode or the non-stationary mode is implemented at the UE.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein selectively performing the one or more RRM relaxation actions comprises: performing one or more power saving operations at the UE responsive to implementing the stationary mode at the UE.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein selectively performing the one or more RRM relaxation actions comprises: performing the one or more RRM relaxation actions responsive to implementing the stationary mode at the UE; and refraining from performing any RRM relaxation actions responsive to implementing the non-stationary mode at the UE.

4. The method of any one of claim 1 to 3, further comprising: obtaining device state information (210) for the UE; and generating the stationary confidence rank based at least in part on the device state information.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the device state information comprises one or more of: battery state information; sensor information; screen state information; telephony Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) state information; wireless local area network (WLAN) connectivity information; or Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) metrics.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein generating the stationary confidence rank comprises: evaluating, based on the device state information, a different set of rank conditions for each stationary confidence rank of a plurality of stationary confidence ranks; and generating the stationary confidence rank responsive to the set of rank conditions for the stationary confidence rank being satisfied.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the set of conditions selected for a higher stationary confidence rank is less restrictive for implementing the stationary mode than a lower stationary confidence rank.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein selecting the set of conditions comprises: selecting a set of conditions for the one or more stationary modes that are different than a set of conditions associated with the one or more stationary modes for a different stationary confidence rank.

9. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein selectively performing the one or more RRM relaxation actions comprises: evaluating, based on device state information (210) for the UE, at least one mobility condition (216-1) of the selected set of conditions; andevaluating, based on cellular information (212), at least one cell edge level condition (216-2) of the selected set of conditions.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the cellular information includes radio frequency(RF) metrics.11 . The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein evaluating the at least one mobility condition comprises: comparing a relative reference signal received power (RSRP) change of the UE to at least one RSRP threshold.

12. The method of any of claims 9 to 11 , wherein evaluating the at least one cell edge level condition comprises: comparing a serving cell signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) to at least one SINR threshold.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more stationary modes include a first stationary mode (138-1) and a second stationary mode (138-2), and wherein selecting the set of conditions comprises: selecting, based on the stationary confidence rank, a first set of conditions for the first stationary mode; and selecting, based on the stationary confidence rank, a second set of conditions for the second stationary mode, wherein the second set of conditions are different from the first set of conditions.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein selectively performing the one or more RRM relaxation actions comprises: evaluating the first set of conditions for the first stationary mode; and evaluating the second set of conditions for the second stationary mode, and wherein implementing the stationary mode comprises implementing one of the first stationary mode or the second stationary mode.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein performing the one or more RRM relaxation actions comprises: performing a first set of RRM relaxation actions (218-1 ) in response to implementing the first stationary mode; or performing a second set of RRM relaxation actions (218-2) in response to implementing the second stationary mode, wherein the first set of RRM relaxation actions provides an increased relaxation of RRM actions over the second set RRM relaxation actions.

16. A user equipment (102), comprising: one or more radio frequency (RF) modems (306) configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one network (100); one or more processors (310) coupled to the one or more RF modems; and at least one memory (312) storing executable instructions, the executable instructions configured to manipulate at least one of the one or more processors or the one or more RF modems to perform the method of any of the preceding claims.

17. A computer-readable storage medium embodying a set of executable instructions, the set of executable instructions to manipulate a user equipment to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 15.

18. A computer program including a set of executable instructions that perform the method of any of claims 1 to 15.

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