Method and apparatus for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks

Abstract

A method performed by a UE for performing measurements associated with SSBs is provided. The method receives, from a BS, an RRC message including a first measurement object (MO) configuration associated with a cell. The method determines whether a second MO configuration associated with an OD- SSB of the cell is included in the RRC message. The method determines, based on an indication received from the BS, whether a transmission of the OD-SSB associated with the cell is activated. The method in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: performs an OD-SSB-based measurement based on the second MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is included in the RRC message; and performs the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is not included in the RRC message.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING MEASUREMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNAL BLOCKS

[0001] The present disclosure is related to wireless communication and, more specifically, to a User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), and method for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) in the wireless communication networks.

[0002] Various efforts have been made to improve different aspects of wireless communication for the cellular wireless communication systems, such as the 5thGeneration (5G) New Radio (NR), by improving data rate, latency, reliability, and mobility. The 5G NR system is designed to provide flexibility and configurability to optimize network services and types, accommodating various use cases, such as enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication (URLLC). As the demand for radio access continues to grow, however, there exists a need for further improvements in the next-generation wireless communication systems, such as improvements in a beam management procedure.

[0003] The present disclosure is related to a UE, a BS, and a method for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) in the wireless communication networks.

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a UE for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) is provided. The UE includes at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium that is coupled to the at least one processor and that stores one or more computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE to: receive, from a base station (BS), a radio resource control (RRC) message comprising a first measurement object (MO) configuration associated with a cell; determine whether a second MO configuration associated with an on-demand (OD)-synchronization signal block (SSB) of the cell is included in the RRC message; determine, based on an indication received from the BS, whether a transmission of the OD-SSB associated with the cell is activated; and in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: perform an OD-SSB-based measurement based on the second MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is included in the RRC message; and perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is not included in the RRC message.

[0005] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first MO configuration is associated with a first frequency, and the second MO configuration is associated with a second frequency.

[0006] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first MO configuration includes a first parameter associated with the first frequency, and the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the UE to: apply the first parameter for an SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is not activated.

[0007] In some implementations of the first aspect, the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the UE to: determine whether a second parameter associated with the first frequency is included in the first MO configuration; and in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: apply the first parameter for the OD-SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the second parameter is not included in the first MO configuration; and apply the second parameter for the OD-SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the second parameter is included in the first MO configuration.

[0008] In some implementations of the first aspect, the second MO configuration includes a third parameter associated with the second frequency, and the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the UE to: apply the third parameter for the OD-SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated.

[0009] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first parameter indicates a first periodicity for the SSB-based measurement, the second parameter indicates a second periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and the third parameter indicates a third periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

[0010] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first parameter indicates a first beam set to be measured for the SSB-based measurement, the second parameter indicates a second beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and the third parameter indicates a third beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

[0011] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method performed by a user equipment (UE) for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) is provided. The method includes: receiving, from a base station (BS), a radio resource control (RRC) message comprising a first measurement object (MO) configuration associated with a cell; determining whether a second MO configuration associated with an on-demand (OD)-synchronization signal block (SSB) of the cell is included in the RRC message; determining, based on an indication received from the BS, whether a transmission of the OD-SSB associated with the cell is activated; and in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: performing an OD-SSB-based measurement based on the second MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is included in the RRC message; and performing the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is not included in the RRC message.

[0012] In a third aspect of the present application, a BS for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) is provided. The BS includes at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium that is coupled to the at least one processor and that stores one or more computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the BS to: transmit, to a user equipment (UE), a radio resource control (RRC) message comprising a first measurement object (MO) configuration associated with a cell; determine whether to include a second MO configuration associated with an on-demand (OD)-synchronization signal block (SSB) of the cell in the RRC message; transmit, to the UE, an indication to indicate whether a transmission of the OD-SSB associated with the cell is activated; and in a case that the indication indicates that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: transmit an OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform an OD-SSB-based measurement based on the second MO configuration in a case that the second MO configuration is included in the RRC message; and transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first MO configuration in a case that the second MO configuration is not included in the RRC message.

[0013] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first MO configuration is associated with a first frequency, and the second MO configuration is associated with a second frequency.

[0014] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first MO configuration includes a first parameter associated with the first frequency, and the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the BS to: transmit an SSB to enable the UE to perform an SSB-based measurement based on the first parameter in a case that the indication indicates that the transmission of the OD-SSB is not activated.

[0015] In some implementations of the third aspect, the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the BS to: determine whether to include a second parameter associated with the first frequency in the first MO configuration; and in a case that the indication indicates that transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first parameter in a case that the second parameter is not included in the first MO configuration; and transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on second parameter in a case that the second parameter is included in the first MO configuration.

[0016] In some implementations of the third aspect, the second MO configuration includes a third parameter associated with the second frequency, and the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the BS to: transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the third parameter in a case that the indication indicates that transmission of the OD-SSB is activated.

[0017] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first parameter indicates a first periodicity for the SSB-based measurement, the second parameter indicates a second periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and the third parameter indicates a third periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

[0018] In some implementations of the third aspect, the first parameter indicates a first beam set to be measured for the SSB-based measurement, the second parameter indicates a second beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and the third parameter indicates a third beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

[0019] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed disclosure when read with the accompanying drawings. Various features are not drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of relationships among serving cells, measurement objects, reporting configurations, and measurement identities, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the event triggering condition(s) is falsely fulfilled, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association between a type 2A cell, a measurement object, a reporting configuration, and a measurement identity, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association between a type 2A cell and measurement objects, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association between a type 2B cell and measurement objects, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method / process performed by a UE for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method / process performed by a BS for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a node for wireless communication, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0028] Some of the abbreviations used in the present disclosure include: Abbreviation　　　　Full name 3GPP　　　　3rdGeneration Partnership Project 5G　　　　5thGeneration CA　　　　Carrier Aggregation CC　　　　Component Carrier CD-SSB 　　　　Cell Defining- Synchronization Signal Block CE 　　　　Control Element CS-RNTI　　　　Configured Scheduling-Radio Network Temporary Identifier C-RNTI　　　　Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier CSI　　　　Channel State Information DC　　　　Dual Connectivity DCI　　　　Downlink Control Information DL　　　　Downlink gNB　　　　Next Generation Node B HARQ　　　　Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request IE　　　　Information element L1　　　　Layer 1 L2　　　　Layer 2 L3　　　　Layer 3 MAC　　　　Medium Access Control NES　　　　Network Energy Saving NR　　　　New Radio PCell　　　　Primary Cell PDCCH　　　　Physical Downlink Control Channel PDU　　　　Protocol Data Unit PDSCH　　　　Physical Downlink Shared Channel PHY　　　　Physical (layer) RLC　　　　Radio Link Control RRC　　　　Radio Resource Control RS　　　　Reference Signal SCell　　　　Secondary Cell SCS　　　　SubCarrier Spacing SDU　　　　Service Data Unit SFN 　　　　System Frame Number SN　　　　Sequence Number SpCell　　　　Special Cell SPS　　　　Semi-Persistent Scheduling SSB　　　　Synchronization Signal Block TA 　　　　Timing Advance TS　　　　Technical Specification UE　　　　User Equipment UL　　　　Uplink

[0029] The following contains specific information related to implementations of the present disclosure. The drawings and their accompanying detailed disclosure are merely directed to implementations. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these implementations. Other variations and implementations of the present disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Unless noted otherwise, like or corresponding elements among the drawings may be indicated by like or corresponding reference numerals. Moreover, the drawings and illustrations in the present disclosure are generally not to scale and are not intended to correspond to actual relative dimensions.

[0031] For the purposes of consistency and ease of understanding, like features may be identified (although, in some examples, not illustrated) by the same numerals in the drawings. However, the features in different implementations may be different in other respects and may not be narrowly confined to what is illustrated in the drawings.

[0032] References to “one implementation,” “an implementation,” “example implementation,” “various implementations,” “some implementations,” “implementations of the present application,” etc., may indicate that the implementation(s) of the present application so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every possible implementation of the present application necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “In some implementations,” or “in an example implementation,” “an implementation,” do not necessarily refer to the same implementation, although they may. Moreover, any use of phrases like “implementations” in connection with “the present application” are never meant to characterize that all implementations of the present application must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and should instead be understood to mean “at least some implementations of the present application” includes the stated particular feature, structure, or characteristic. The term “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The term “comprising,” when utilized, means “including, but not necessarily limited to”; it specifically indicates open-ended inclusion or membership in the so-described combination, group, series, and the equivalent.

[0033] The expression “at least one of A, B and C” or “at least one of the following: A, B and C” means “only A, or only B, or only C, or any combination of A, B and C.” The terms “system” and “network” may be used interchangeably. The term “and / or” is only an association relationship for describing associated objects and represents that three relationships may exist such that A and / or B may indicate that A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, or B exists alone. The character “ / ” generally represents that the associated objects are in an “or” relationship.

[0034] For the purposes of explanation and non-limitation, specific details, such as functional entities, techniques, protocols, and standards, are set forth for providing an understanding of the disclosed technology. In other examples, detailed disclosure of well-known methods, technologies, systems, and architectures are omitted so as not to obscure the present disclosure with unnecessary details.

[0035] Persons skilled in the art will immediately recognize that any network function(s) or algorithm(s) disclosed may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware. Disclosed functions may correspond to modules which may be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0036] A software implementation may include computer executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as memory or other type of storage devices. One or more microprocessors or general-purpose computers with communication processing capability may be programmed with corresponding executable instructions and perform the disclosed network function(s) or algorithm(s).

[0037] The microprocessors or general-purpose computers may include Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), programmable logic arrays, and / or one or more Digital Signal Processor (DSPs). Although some of the disclosed implementations are oriented to software installed and executing on computer hardware, alternative implementations implemented as firmware, as hardware, or as a combination of hardware and software are well within the scope of the present disclosure. The computer-readable medium includes but is not limited to Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), flash memory, Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or any other equivalent medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions.

[0038] A radio communication network architecture such as a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system, an LTE-Advanced Pro system, or a 5G NR Radio Access Network (RAN) typically includes at least one base station (BS), at least one UE, and one or more optional network elements that provide connection within a network. The UE communicates with the network such as a Core Network (CN), an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network, an Evolved Universal Terrestrial RAN (E-UTRAN), a 5G Core (5GC), a 6G Core (6GC), or an internet via a RAN established by one or more BSs.

[0039] A UE may include, but is not limited to, a mobile station, a mobile terminal or device, or a user communication radio terminal. The UE may be a portable radio equipment that includes, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a wearable device, a sensor, a vehicle, or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with wireless communication capability. The UE is configured to receive and transmit signals over an air interface to one or more cells in a RAN.

[0040] The BS may be configured to provide communication services according to at least a Radio Access Technology (RAT) such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) that is often referred to as 2G, GSM Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) that is often referred to as 3G based on basic wideband-code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), LTE, LTE-A, evolved LTE (eLTE) that is LTE connected to 5GC, NR (often referred to as 5G), and / or LTE-A Pro. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these protocols.

[0041] The BS may include, but is not limited to, a node B (NB) in the UMTS, an evolved node B (eNB) in LTE or LTE-A, a radio network controller (RNC) in UMTS, a BS controller (BSC) in the GSM / GERAN, an ng-eNB in an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) BS in connection with 5GC, a next generation Node B (gNB) in the 5G-RAN, or any other apparatus capable of controlling radio communication and managing radio resources within a cell. The BS may serve one or more UEs via a radio interface. Although the gNB is used as an example in some implementations within the present disclosure, it should be noted that the disclosed implementations may also be applied to other types of base stations.

[0042] The BS may be operable to provide radio coverage to a specific geographical area using multiple cells forming the RAN. The BS may support the operations of the cells. Each cell may be operable to provide services to at least one UE within its radio coverage.

[0043] Each cell (may often referred to as a serving cell) may provide services to one or more UEs within the cell’s radio coverage, such that each cell schedules the DL (and optionally UL resources) to at least one UE within its radio coverage for DL (and optionally UL packet transmissions from the UE). The BS may communicate with one or more UEs in the radio communication system via the cells.

[0044] A cell may allocate sidelink (SL) resources for supporting the Proximity Services (ProSe) or Vehicle to Everything (V2X) services. Each cell may have overlapped coverage areas with other cells.

[0045] In Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) cases, the primary cell of a Master Cell Group (MCG) or a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) may be referred to as a Special Cell (SpCell). A Primary Cell (PCell) may include the SpCell of an MCG. A Primary SCG Cell (PSCell) may include the SpCell of an SCG. MCG may include a group of serving cells associated with the Master Node (MN), including the SpCell and optionally one or more Secondary Cells (SCells). An SCG may include a group of serving cells associated with the Secondary Node (SN), including the SpCell and optionally one or more SCells.

[0046] As discussed above, the frame structure for NR may support flexible configurations for accommodating various next generation (e.g., 5G) communication requirements, such as Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), while fulfilling high reliability, high data rate, and low latency requirements. The Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology in the 3GPP may serve as a baseline for an NR waveform. The scalable OFDM numerology, such as adaptive sub-carrier spacing, channel bandwidth, and Cyclic Prefix (CP), may also be used.

[0047] Two coding schemes may be considered for NR, specifically, Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) code and Polar Code. The coding scheme adaption may be configured based on channel conditions and / or service applications.

[0048] At least the DL transmission data, a guard period, and UL transmission data should be included in a transmission time interval (TTI) of a single NR frame. The respective portions of the DL transmission data, the guard period, and the UL transmission data should also be configurable based on, for example, the network dynamics of NR. SL resources may also be provided in an NR frame to support ProSe services or V2X services.

[0049] Any two or more than two of the following paragraphs, (sub)-bullets, points, actions, behaviors, terms, or claims described in the present disclosure may be combined logically, reasonably, and properly to form a specific method.

[0050] Any sentence, paragraph, (sub)-bullet, point, action, behaviors, terms, or claims described in the present disclosure may be implemented independently and separately to form a specific method.

[0051] Dependency, e.g., “based on”, “more specifically”, “preferably”, “in one embodiment”, “in some implementations”, etc., in the present disclosure is just one possible example which would not restrict the specific method.

[0052] In some implementations, all the designs / embodiment / implementations introduced within this disclosure are not limited to be applied for dealing with the problems discussed within this disclosure. For example, the described embodiments may be applied to solve other problems that exist in the RAN of wireless communication systems. In some implementations, all of the numbers listed within the designs / embodiment / implementations introduced within this disclosure are just examples and for illustration, for example, of how the described methods are executed.

[0053] The term “A and / or B” within the present disclosure means “A”, “B”, or “A and B”. The term “A and / or B and / or C” within the present disclosure means “A”, “B”, “C”, “A and B”, “A and C”, “B and C”, or “A and B and C”. The term “A / B” within the present disclosure means “A” or “B”.

[0054] The downlink RRC message mentioned in the present disclosure may be but not limited to be the RRCReconfiguration, the RRCResume, the RRCReestablishment, the RRCSetup or any other downlink unicast RRC message.

[0055] “A specific configuration is per UE configured” or “a specific configuration is configured for a UE” mentioned in the present disclosure may represented as the specific configuration may be but not limited to be configured within a downlink RRC message.

[0056] “A specific configuration is per cell group configured” or “a specific configuration is configured for a cell group” mentioned in the present disclosure may represented as the specific configuration may be but not limited to be configured within a CellGroupConfig or MAC-CellGroupConfig or PhysicalCellGroupConfig IE.

[0057] “A specific configuration is per serving cell configured” or “a specific configuration is configured for a serving cell” mentioned in the present disclosure may represented as the specific configuration may be but not limited to be configured within a ServingCellConfigCommon or ServingCellConfig or PUSCH-ServingCellConfig or PDSCH-ServingCellConfig IE.

[0058] “A specific configuration is per UL BWP or per BWP configured” or “a specific configuration is configured for a UL BWP or for a BWP” mentioned in the present disclosure may represented as the specific configuration may be but not limited to be configured within a BWP-Uplink or BWP-UplinkDedicated or BWP-UplinkCommon or PUSCH-ConfigCommon or PUSCH-Config IE.

[0059] “A specific configuration is per DL BWP or per BWP configured” or “a specific configuration is configured for a DL BWP or for a BWP” mentioned in the present disclosure may represented as the specific configuration may be but not limited to be configured within a BWP-Downlink or BWP-DownlinkDedicated or BWP-DownlinkCommon or PDSCH-ConfigCommon or PDSCH-Config IE.

[0060] The “transmitted” within all the implementations / embodiments introduced in the present disclosure may be defined as corresponding MAC CE / MAC PDU / layer 1 signaling / higher layer signaling, is started to be transmitted or completely transmitted or is already delivered to corresponding HARQ process / buffer for transmission. The “transmitted” within all the implementations / embodiments introduced in the present disclosure may also be defined as the HARQ_ACK feedback (response from the gNB) of the MAC PDU carrying the MAC CE / MAC PDU / layer 1 signaling / higher layer signaling is received. The “transmitted” within all the implementations / embodiments introduced in the present disclosure may also be defined as corresponding MAC CE / MAC PDU is built. The “HARQ_ACK feedback” may be implemented as a DCI format 0_0, 0_1 or some other format of DCI was received by the UE from the gNB on the PDCCH. The received DCI includes a new data indicator (NDI) which is set to a specific value (e.g., set to 1) and the DCI also indicates a HARQ process ID which is the same as a HARQ process ID applied by / indicated to be used for the HARQ process of the MAC PDU (e.g., carrying the BFRQ MAC CE) transmission.

[0061] The PDCCH mention in the present disclosure is transmitted by the gNB to the UE. Or the PDCCH is received by the UE from the gNB. The PDSCH mentioned in the present disclosure is transmitted by the gNB to the UE. Or the PDSCH is received by the UE from the gNB. The PUSCH mention in the present disclosure is transmitted by the UE to the gNB. Or the PUCCH is received by the gNB from the UE.

[0062] A PDSCH / PDSCH / PUSCH transmission may span multiple symbols in time domain. The time duration of a PDSCH / PDSCH / PUSCH (transmission) implies a time interval starts from the beginning of the first symbol of the PDSCH / PDSCH / PUSCH (transmission) and ends at the end of the last symbol of the PDSCH / PDSCH / PUSCH (transmission).

[0063] In the present disclosure, “by specific physical layer signaling” may be but not limited to be “by a specific format of DCI”, “by a specific field of DCI”, “by one or more specific fields of DCI”, or “by DCI with CRC bits scrambled with a specific RNTI”. The one or more specific fields are set to one or more specific values.

[0064] In the present disclosure, “a timer” may be but not limited to be configured by RRC which is indicated by the gNB. The UE may be configured with an initial value of the timer and the unit of the value may be but not limited to be frame / sub-frame / millisecond / sub-milli second / slot / symbol. The timer may be started and / or restarted by the UE. The timer may be started and / or restarted by the UE when one or more specific conditions are satisfied.

[0065] Examples of some selected terms in the present disclosure are provided as follows.

[0066] Cell: The cell may be referred to as a radio network object that may be uniquely identified by the UE from a cell identification that is broadcasted over a geographical area from one UTRAN access point. The cell may operate in either frequency division duplex (FDD) or time division duplex (TDD) mode.

[0067] Dedicated signaling: The dedicated signaling may be referred to as signaling sent on the DCCH logical channel between the network and a single UE.

[0068] Field: The field may represent the individual contents of an information element.

[0069] Information element: The information element may be referred to as a structural element including single or multiple fields.

[0070] PDCCH: In the downlink, the gNB may dynamically allocate resources to UEs at least via the C-RNTI, MCS-C-RNTI, or CS-RNTI on the PDCCH(s). The UE may always monitor the PDCCH(s) in order to find possible assignments when downlink reception is enabled (e.g., with activity governed by DRX when configured). When CA is configured, the same C-RNTI may be applied to all serving cells.

[0071] PDSCH / PUSCH: The PDCCH may be used to schedule DL transmissions on the PDSCH and UL transmissions on the PUSCH.

[0072] Primary Cell: The primary cell may be referred to as the MCG cell, operating on the primary frequency, in which the UE either performs the initial connection establishment procedure or initiates the connection re-establishment procedure.

[0073] Secondary Cell: For a UE configured with CA, the secondary cell may be referred to as a cell providing additional radio resources on top of a special cell.

[0074] Serving Cell: For a UE in RRC_CONNECTED not configured with CA / DC, there may be only one serving cell including the primary cell. For a UE in RRC_CONNECTED configured with CA / DC, the term “serving cells” may be used to denote the set of cells including the special cell(s) and all secondary cells.

[0075] Special Cell: For Dual Connectivity operation, the special cell may be referred to as the PCell of the MCG or the PSCell of the SCG; otherwise, the special cell may be referred to as the PCell.

[0076] SSB Frequency: The SSB frequency may be referred to as the frequency referring to the position of resource element RE=#0 (or subcarrier #0) of resource block RB#10 of the SS block.

[0077] Timer: The RRC / PDCP / RLC / MAC entity may set up one or more timers for individual purposes, for example, triggering some uplink signaling retransmission or limiting some uplink signaling retransmission period. The timer may be running once it is started, until it is stopped or until it expires; otherwise, the timer may not be running. The timer may be started if it is not running or restarted if it is running. The Timer may always be started or restarted from an initial value. The initial value may be but not limited to be configured by the gNB via downlink RRC signaling or be a pre-defined / pre-determined value addressed in some specification.

[0078] The terms, definitions, and abbreviations as given in the present disclosure may be either imported from existing documentation (e.g., ETSI, ITU or elsewhere) or newly created by the 3GPP experts whenever the need for precise vocabulary is identified.

[0079] Network energy saving may hold great importance for environmental sustainability, to reduce environmental impact, such as greenhouse gas emissions, and for operational cost savings. As 5G becomes pervasive across industries and geographical areas, handling more advanced services and applications requiring very high data rates, such as XR, networks may become denser, use more antennas, larger bandwidths, and more frequency bands. The environmental impact of 5G may need to stay under control, and novel solutions to improve network energy savings may need to be developed.

[0080] The 3GPP Rel-18 work on network energy savings for NR may lead to the specification of some techniques that were found beneficial, primarily for RRC Connected, user-specific signals and channels, and low load scenarios. The techniques specified in Rel-18 may include SSB-less SCell operation for inter-band CA for FR1 and co-located cells, enhancement on cell DTX / DRX mechanism including the alignment of cell DTX / DRX and UE DRX in RRC_CONNECTED mode, inter-node information exchange on cell DTX / DRX, techniques in spatial and power domains to enable efficient adaptation of spatial elements as well as efficient adaptation of power offset values between the PDSCH and the CSI-RS, as well as mechanisms to prevent legacy UEs from camping on cells adopting the Rel-18 NES techniques, CHO procedure enhancement, and inter-node beam activation and enhancements on restricting paging in a limited area, and the corresponding RRM / RF core requirements.

[0081] In some implementations, longer periods of cell inactivity (e.g., without SSB transmission) can achieve network energy saving. In other words, an SSB on a cell may be transmitted in an on-demand manner. Hence, in 3GPP Rel-19, one of objectives may be to specify procedures and signaling method to support on-demand SSB SCell operation for UEs in connected mode configured with CA, for both intra-band and inter-band CA. In addition, another objective may be to specify adaptation of SSB in time domain (e.g., adapting periodicity).

[0082] In the current specification, when CA is deployed, the network may configure the UE with one or more cells, such as a PCell and SCells. For cell quality measurement, cell mobility, and beam failure recovery (BFR) purpose, the UE may be configured to measure the SSB on the configured cell and send the corresponding measurement results to the network.

[0083] When a cell supporting on-demand SSB operation is configured to the UE, the SSB may not be transmitted by default and may be transmitted in an on-demand manner. However, when the SSB is not transmitted on a cell, the UE may not measure the SSB on the cell to save the UE power. Thus, for a cell supporting on-demand SSB operation, when the SSB is not being transmitted, some SSB-related UE behaviors (e.g., L3 measurements) for the cell may be adjusted, and several solutions may be provided in the present disclosure.

[0084] In some implementations, when a cell supporting SSB adaptation in time domain is configured to the UE, there may be multiple SSB patterns associated with the cell. On one hand, the UE may expect that only one of configured SSB patterns is activated on the cell, which may lead to a similar issue mentioned above when another configured SSB pattern is deactivated. On the other hand, the UE may expect that multiple SSB patterns can be activated concurrently on the same cell, where the measurement configuration and measurement reporting procedure may not be clear. Therefore, SSB-related UE behaviors for a cell supporting SSB adaptation may be adjusted as well, and several solutions may be provided in the present disclosure.

[0085] Once a cell (e.g., a PCell or an SCell) is configured, the network may configure the UE with one or more SSB-related parameters used or applied for the cell, where the parameters may specify how the cell perform the SSB transmission in a specific pattern. Consequently, the UE may try to perform the SSB-based measurement based on the pattern and report the corresponding measurement result to the network. The SSB-related parameters may be included in a cell configuration (e.g., the SCellConfig IE). The SSB-related parameters may include at least one of the following (a)-(e).

[0086] (a) physCellId: The physical cell identity of the cell at which the SSB is (being) transmitted.

[0087] (b) absoluteFrequencySSB: The frequency of the SSB to be used for this (serving) cell (e.g., the ARFCN value).

[0088] (c) ssb-PositionsInBurst: This parameter may indicate the time domain positions of the transmitted SSBs (e.g., SSB burst / set) in a half frame with SSBs. The first or leftmost bit may correspond to SSB index 0, the second bit may correspond to SSB index 1, and so on. The value 0 in the bitmap may indicate that the corresponding SSB is not transmitted while value 1 indicates that the corresponding SSB is transmitted. This parameter may be absent when absoluteFrequencySSB is absent, otherwise this parameter may be mandatory present.

[0089] (d) ssbSubcarrierSpacing: This parameter may indicate the subcarrier spacing of the SSB.

[0090] (e) smtc: The SSB periodicity / offset / duration configuration of the target cell. This parameter may be used to configure measurement timing configurations (e.g., timing occasions at which the UE measures SSBs). The field duration may indicate the duration of the measurement window in which to receive SSBs. The field periodicityAndOffset may indicate the periodicity and the offset of the measurement window in which to receive SSBs.

[0091] When the SSB related parameters are configured for specifying an SSB pattern for a cell, the UE may assume that the SSB is transmitted by default in the SSB pattern. In the present disclosure, the ssb-PositionsInBurst, the smtc, the periodicity, the offset, and / or the duration may be referred to as a specific SSB pattern. In other words, the specific SSB pattern may be specified / determined by at least one of the ssb-PositionsInBurst, the smtc, the periodicity, the offset, and / or the duration.

[0092] In some implementations, when the SSB related parameters are configured for specifying a SSB pattern for a cell, the UE may or may not assume that the SSB is transmitted by default based on the SSB pattern. More specifically, when the SSB related parameters are configured for a cell, the specified SSB pattern may be activated / deactivated in a dynamic manner (e.g., indicated / pre-configured by the network). If the SSB pattern is activated, the UE may assume that the SSB is transmitted on the cell with the SSB pattern. If the SSB pattern is deactivated, the UE may assume that the SSB is not transmitted on the cell with the SSB pattern. This type of SSB may be defined as the enhanced SSB.

[0093] When a cell is configured with a single enhanced SSB (pattern), the enhanced SSB may be referred to as the on-demand SSB. This type of cell may be referred to as a type 1 cell.

[0094] When a cell is configured with two SSB (patterns), the UE may assume that the SSB is transmitted on the cell by default based on one of configured pattern, where the SSB being transmitted may be referred to as the default SSB. Another configured SSB pattern may be referred to as the additional SSB (pattern). This type of cell may be referred to as a type 2 cell. In some implementations, the default SSB may be configured as either the legacy SSB or the enhanced SSB. In some implementations, the additional SSB may be configured as the enhanced SSB. Depending on whether both SSB patterns can be activated concurrently, type 2 cells may be further classified as type 2A cells and type 2B cells. Table 1 below illustrates different types of cells, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0095] When the UE is configured with a cell with an enhanced SSB (pattern), the UE may be indicated that the enhanced SSB (pattern) is activated / deactivated for the cell via RRC / MAC / PHY signaling. The indication for the enhanced SSB transmission activation / deactivation may be carried by at least one of the following signaling (a)-(f). Moreover, the signaling for this indication may be transmitted on a PCell or a Scell.

[0096] (a) Legacy Scell activation / deactivation MAC CE.

[0097] (b) Enhanced Scell activation / deactivation MAC CE.

[0098] (c) Dedicated activation / deactivation MAC CE for enhanced SSB.

[0099] (d) UE-specific PHY signaling.

[0100] (e) Group common PHY signaling (e.g., DCI format 2_9, DCI format 2_x).

[0101] (f) RRC messages (e.g., RRCReconfiguration or RRCResume, etc.).

[0102] When the UE is configured with a cell with an enhanced SSB (pattern), the UE may be indicated that the enhanced SSB (pattern) is changed via RRC / MAC / PHY signaling. For example, the UE may be indicated to apply some SSB related parameters for the SSB pattern change, where the parameters may be the ssb-PositionsInBurst, the ssbSubcarrierSpacing, the smtc, the periodicity, the offset, and / or the duration. The indication for the enhanced SSB transmission change may be carried by at least one of the following signaling (a)-(f). Moreover, the signaling for this indication may be transmitted on a Pcell or a Scell.

[0103] (a) Legacy Scell activation / deactivation MAC CE.

[0104] (b) Enhanced Scell activation / deactivation MAC CE.

[0105] (c) Dedicated activation / deactivation MAC CE for enhanced SSB.

[0106] (d) UE-specific PHY signaling.

[0107] (e)Group common PHY signaling (e.g., DCI format 2_9, DCI format 2_x).

[0108] (f) RRC messages (e.g., RRCReconfiguration or RRCResume, etc.).

[0109] Measurement configurations

[0110] When the UE is configured with a measurement configuration, the UE may perform, based on the measurement configuration, SSB-based measurements for serving cells and / or neighboring cells, and the UE may report the corresponding derived measurement results to the network. The measurement configuration may be provided to the UE via RRC dedicated signaling (e.g., the RRCReconfiguration or RRCResume). The measurement configuration may include the following elements (a)-(c).

[0111] (a) Measurement objects: A list of objects on which the UE may perform the measurements.

[0112] (b) Reporting configurations: A list of reporting configurations where there may be one or more reporting configurations per measurement object.

[0113] (c) Measurement identities: A list of measurement identities where each measurement identity may be associated with one measurement object with one reporting configuration. By configuring multiple measurement identities, more than one measurement object may be associated with the same reporting configuration, and more than one reporting configuration may be associated with the same measurement object. The measurement identity may also be included in the measurement report that triggered the reporting, serving as a reference to the network.

[0114] A measurement object may be configured by the MeasObjectNR IE which may specif information applicable for SSB(s) intra / inter-frequency measurements. The MeasObjectNR IE may include at least one of the following SSB-related parameters (a)- (e).

[0115] (a) ssbFrequency: The ssbFrequency may indicate the frequency of the SSB associated with this MeasObjectNR IE.

[0116] (b) ssbSubcarrierSpacing: The ssbSubcarrierSpacing may indicate the subcarrier spacing of the SSB.

[0117] (c) smtc1: The measurement timing configuration. The UE may set up the SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC) based on the received periodicityAndOffset parameter (e.g., providing a periodicity and an offset value) and / or the received duration parameter in the smtc1 configuration.

[0118] (d) ssb-ConfigMobility: The ssb-ConfigMobility may indicate the SSB configuration for mobility (e.g., the nominal SSBs and / or timing configuration).

[0119] (e) ssb-ToMeasure: A set of SS blocks to be measured within the SMTC measurement duration. This IE may be implemented by a bitmap. The first / leftmost bit may correspond to SS / PBCH block index 0, the second bit may correspond to SS / PBCH block index 1, and so on. The value 0 in the bitmap may indicate that the corresponding SS / PBCH block is not to be measured while the value 1 may indicate that the corresponding SS / PBCH block is to be measured. When the field is not configured, the UE may measure on all SS blocks. Regardless of the value of this field, SS / PBCH blocks outside of the applicable smtc are not to be measured. This field may be included in ssb-ConfigMobility.

[0120] A reporting configuration may be configured by the ReportConfigNR IE which may specify criteria for triggering of a measurement reporting. The measurement reporting triggering may be based on cell measurement results, which may be derived based on the SSB. A reporting configuration may be configured as either a periodical type or an evert triggered type. The ReportConfigNR IE may include at least one of the following parameters (a)-(d).

[0121] (a) rsType: The RS that the UE uses for beam and cell measurement results (e.g., the SSB or the CSI-RS).

[0122] (b) reportInterval: The reportInterval IE may indicate the interval between periodical reports. The reportInterval IE may be applicable if the UE performs the periodical reporting (e.g., when reportAmount exceeds 1), for event triggered reporting as well as for periodical reporting.

[0123] (c) reportAmount: A number of measurement reports applicable for event triggered reporting as well as for periodical reporting.

[0124] (d) reportQuantityCell: The cell measurement quantities to be included in the measurement report. The configured quantity may be the RSRP, the RSRQ, and / or the SINR.

[0125] For an event triggered reporting configuration, the following parameters (a)-(d) may be further configured.

[0126] (a) timeToTrigger: Time during which specific criteria for the event need to be met in order to trigger a measurement report.

[0127] (b) reportAddNeighMeas: The reportAddNeighMeas may indicate that the UE shall include the best neighbour cells per serving frequency.

[0128] (c) MeasTriggerQuantity, MeasTriggerQuantityOffset: The MeasTriggerQuantity and MeasTriggerQuantityOffset may configure the trigger quantity for measurements.

[0129] (d) evenId: A choice of event triggered reporting criteria. The reporting criteria may be configured as one of the following events (A1)-(A6).

[0130] (A1): Serving becomes better than the absolute threshold.

[0131] (A2): Serving becomes worse than the absolute threshold.

[0132] (A3): Neighbour becomes amount of offset better than the Pcell / PSCell.

[0133] (A4): Neighbour becomes better than the absolute threshold.

[0134] (A5): Pcell / PSCell becomes worse than the absolute threshold1 AND Neighbour / Scell becomes better than another absolute threshold2.

[0135] (A6): Neighbour becomes amount of offset better than the Scell.

[0136] For serving cell measurement purpose, when a cell is configured, the UE may be further configured with a measurement object indication (e.g., servingCellMO IE) indicating that the cell is associated with the measurement object indicated by the measurement object indication. Moreover, the serving cell may be considered to be associated with the measurement identities associated with this measurement object, and may be considered to be associated with the reporting configuration(s) associated with the measurement identities. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of relationships among serving cells, measurement objects, reporting configurations, and measurement identities, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, the serving cells may include the serving cell #1 and the serving cell #2. The measurement objects may include the measObject #1 and the measObject #2. The measurement identities may include the measId #1, measId #2, and measId #3. The reporting configurations may include the reportConfig #1 and reportConfig #2. The serving cell #1 may be associated with the measObject #1, measId #1, measId #2, reportConfig #1, and reportConfig #2. The serving cell #2 may be associated with the measObject #2, measId #3, and reportConfig #2. A measurement object indication (e.g., servingCellMO #1) may indicate that the serving cell #1 is associated with the measObject #1. A measurement object indication (e.g., servingCellMO #2) may indicate that the serving cell #2 is associated with the measObject #2.

[0137] Measurement and reporting procedure

[0138] In general, when the UE is configured with a measurement configuration (e.g., including measurement objects, reporting configurations, and measurement identities), the UE may perform the following actions (a)-(c).

[0139] (a) Performing measurement and deriving measurement result: The UE may measure multiple beams of a serving cell or a neighboring cell based on the configured measurement objects and reporting configurations. Consequently, the measurement results (e.g., power values) may be averaged to derive the cell quality.

[0140] (b) Measurement report triggering evaluation: For each measurement identity and the associated reporting configuration(s), when the corresponding measurement result(s) are available, the UE may evaluate the reporting criteria for the reporting configuration(s) to determine whether to initiate a reporting procedure for the triggered measurement identity.

[0141] (c) Measurement reporting procedure: For the measurement identity for which the measurement reporting procedure was triggered, the UE may set the measurement results within the measurement report message and transmit the message to the network.

[0142] Measurement

[0143] In RRC_CONNECTED, the UE may measure multiple beams (or at least one beam) of a cell, and the measurements results (e.g., power values) may be averaged to derive the cell quality. In doing so, the UE may be configured to determine a subset of the detected beams. Filtering may take place at two different levels: at the physical layer to derive beam quality and then at RRC level to derive cell quality from multiple beams. The cell quality from beam measurements may be derived in the same way for the serving cell(s) and for the non-serving cell(s). The measurement reports may include the measurement results of the X best beams if the UE is configured to do so by the gNB.

[0144] Timer

[0145] A timer may be running once it is started, until it is stopped or until it expires; otherwise, it may not be running. A timer may be started if it is not running or restarted if it is running. A timer may always be started or restarted from an initial value. The duration of a timer may not be updated until it is stopped or expires (e.g. due to the BWP switching). When the UE (e.g., RRC / MAC entity) applies zero value for a timer, the timer may be started and immediately expires unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0146] Method #1 (For a cell with single enhanced (on-demand) SSB)

[0147] In method#1, the UE may be configured with a cell with single enhanced (on-demand) SSB (e.g., a type 1 cell). When the SSB-related parameters are configured for specifying an enhanced SSB pattern for a cell, the specified SSB pattern may be activated / deactivated in a dynamic manner (e.g., indicated / pre-configured by the network). If the SSB pattern is activated, the UE may assume that the SSB is transmitted on the cell in the SSB pattern. If the SSB pattern is deactivated, the UE may assume that the SSB is not transmitted on the cell in the SSB pattern. Once the UE is configured with a type 1 cell (e.g., either via a new configuration message or via a new parameter based on the legacy SSB configuration), whether the on-demand SSB is activated / deactivated for the cell may be indicated by the network via RRC / MAC / PHY signaling.

[0148] When a cell is configured, the UE may identify whether the configured cell is a type 1 cell. In some implementations, when SSB-related parameters for the on-demand SSB is configured for a cell, the UE may identify that the configured cell is a type 1 cell.

[0149] For a type 1 cell, since the on-demand SSB may be activated / deactivated dynamically, it may introduce unnecessary measurement when there is no SSB transmission on the cell and further lead to false reporting. Thus, the cell measurement and reporting procedure may be adjusted and enhanced based on whether the on-demand SSB is transmitted on the cell.

[0150] In some implementations, when the UE is configured with a type 1 cell associated with a measurement object, the UE may perform enhanced measurement and reporting. Based on whether the on-demand SSB is activated / deactivated, the UE may determine whether to 1) perform the SSB-based measurement on the cell, 2) derive the corresponding SSB-based measurement result(s), and 3) report measurement result(s) to the network.

[0151] Performing measurement and deriving measurement result

[0152] Whenever the UE is configured with a measurement configuration, for a serving cell associated with a measurement object which is associated with reporting configuration(s), if the measurement object is configured with ssb-ConfigMobility IE and the reporting configuration(s) includes the rsType IE set to SSB, the UE may perform the SSB-based measurement (e.g., RSRP and RSRQ measurement) as well as derive the corresponding measurement result(s). Moreover, if the measurement object is configured with ssb-ConfigMobility IE and the reporting configuration(s) includes the SINR as the trigger quantity and / or the report quantity, the UE may perform the SSB-based measurement and derive the corresponding cell SINR. In addition, to perform the SSB-based measurement, the UE may set up the measurement timing based on the smtc1 configuration provided in the associated measurement object.

[0153] In some implementations, when the UE is configured with a Type 1 cell associated with a configured measurement object, the UE may determine whether to perform the serving cell measurement based on whether the on-demand SSB is activated.

[0154] In some implementations, when the UE is configured with a Type 1 cell and the cell is associated with a measurement object (e.g., indicated by the servingCellMO IE for the cell), the UE may start to perform the measurement and / or derive the measurement result for this cell if the on-demand SSB is activated (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate the on-demand SSB). Moreover, the UE may keep performing the measurement and / or deriving the measurement results for this cell during the period when the on-demand SSB is activated. Table 2 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors when the on-demand SSB is activated, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may start to perform the measurement and / or derive the measurement result for this cell when the on-demand SSB is activated.

[0155] In some implementations, when the UE is configured with a Type 1 cell and the cell is associated with a measurement object (e.g., indicated by the servingCellMO IE for the cell), and if on-demand SSB is deactivated (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the on-demand SSB), the UE may ignore / stop / skip performing the measurement and / or deriving the measurement result. Moreover, the UE may not perform the measurement and / or derive the measurement results for this cell during the period when the on-demand SSB is deactivated. The existing triggered reporting procedure (e.g., while event is fulfilled) may be continued even though the on-demand SSB was deactivated. Table 3 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors when the on-demand SSB is deactivated, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may ignore / stop / skip performing the measurement and / or deriving the measurement result when the on-demand SSB is deactivated.

[0156] In some implementations, to determine whether to perform the SSB-based measurement for a type 1 cell, the UE may first determine whether the configured servingCellMO IE for the cell is valid or invalid. Specifically, for a type 1 cell configured with the servingCellMO IE, if the on-demand SSB is activated for the cell (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate the on-demand SSB), the UE may determine that the servingCellMO IE for this cell is valid. By contrast, if the on-demand SSB is deactivated for the cell (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the on-demand SSB), the UE may determine that the servingCellMO IE for this cell is invalid. Afterward, if the servingCellMO IE for a cell is valid, the UE may determine that the cell is associated with the measurement object indicated by the servingCellMO IE. If the servingCellMO IE for a cell is invalid, the UE may determine that the cell is not associated with any measurement object. Thus, the UE may perform measurements and / or derive the corresponding measurement results only for the cell(s) associated with a valid servingCellMO IE. Alternatively, if the on-demand SSB for a type 1 cell is deactivated (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the on-demand SSB), the UE may ignore the servingCellMO IE configured for the cell, and the UE may thus determine that there is no valid servingCellMO IE for the cell.

[0157] Table 4 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may determine whether the configured servingCellMO IE for the cell is valid or invalid.

[0158] Table 5 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may determine whether the configured servingCellMO IE for the cell is valid or invalid.

[0159] Table 6 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may ignore the servingCellMO IE configured for a type 1 cell when the on-demand SSB for the cell is deactivated.

[0160] Table 7 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may ignore the servingCellMO IE configured for a type 1 cell when the on-demand SSB for the cell is deactivated.

[0161] In some implementations, when the UE is configured with a type 1 cell and the cell is associated with a measurement object (e.g., indicated by the servingCellMO IE for the cell), the UE may perform the serving cell measurement and / or derive serving cell measurement results for this cell regardless of whether the on-demand SSB is activated. In the following, how the UE prevents from false measurement reporting triggering is discussed.

[0162] Measurement reporting triggering evaluation

[0163] Whenever the UE has derived measurement result(s), the UE may determine whether to initiate a reporting procedure based on the triggering criteria configured in reporting configuration(s).

[0164] For a configured measurement identity, if the reporting configuration associated with this measurement identity is configured as event triggered, the UE may determine whether to initiate a measurement reporting procedure for this measurement identity based on derived measurement results. Afterward, if the reporting configuration associated with this measurement identity is configured with the reportInterval IE which indicates the value of the periodical timer for this measurement identity, the UE may initiate a reporting procedure for this measurement identity when the periodical timer expires.

[0165] For a configured measurement identity, if the reporting configuration associated with this measurement identity is configured as periodic, the UE may start to perform periodic reporting (e.g., by initiating a (first) measurement reporting procedure for this measurement identity) when a (first) measurement result for this measurement identity is available. Afterward, if the reporting configuration associated with this measurement identity is configured with the reportInterval IE which indicates the value of the periodical timer for this measurement identity, the UE may initiate a reporting procedure for this measurement identity when the periodical timer expires.

[0166] When the reporting configuration associated with a measurement identity is configured as event triggered, to evaluate whether the triggering (e.g., entering or leaving) condition of the configured event is fulfilled, the UE may determine which (serving and / or neighboring) cell is applicable for evaluating the triggering condition. If the triggering condition is fulfilled for the applicable cell(s) for all measurement results (e.g., after L3 filtering) during the period defined by the timeToTrigger IE configured in the reporting configuration, the UE may create a measurement reporting entry for this measurement identity and initiate a reporting procedure for this measurement identity.

[0167] When the UE is configured with a type 1 cell and the on-demand SSB for the cell is deactivated, if the UE performs measurement on this cell and derives the corresponding measurement result, the event triggering condition(s) may be falsely fulfilled. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the event triggering condition(s) is falsely fulfilled, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 2, at time X1, the UE may not trigger a reporting procedure for a type 1 cell since all measurement results derived during TimeToTrigger (TTT) do not fulfill the triggering condition. Afterward, the UE may determine that the on-demand SSB is deactivated at time X2. As time passes, some measurement results (e.g., M1, M2) that does not meet the triggering condition become outside of the TimeToTrigger period. At time X3, the UE may determine that the remaining measurement results (e.g., M3, M4) during the TimeToTrigger period meet the triggering condition and may initiate a reporting procedure. However, since there is no measurement result for this cell after the on-demand SSB is deactivated, the triggered reporting may not represent real channel condition, and thus it is an inaccurate reporting.

[0168] To avoid false triggering events and / or inaccurate reporting to the network, the following solution(s) for preventing UE from evaluating triggering conditions may be adopted.

[0169] In some implementations, for a measurement identity which is associated with a measurement object indicated by the servingCellMO IE for a type 1 cell, when the associated reporting configuration is configured as event triggered or periodical reporting, and if the on-demand SSB is deactivated on the cell (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the on-demand SSB), the UE may ignore this measurement identity for report triggering evaluation. It may mean that the UE may ignore this measurement identity for report triggering evaluation during the period when the on-demand SSB is deactivated. In some implementations, the triggering event(s) may be configured as A1, A2, A3, A5, and A6 which need to evaluate the serving cell measurement result. By contrast, for a measurement identity which is associated with a measurement object indicated by the servingCellMO IE for a type 1 cell, if the on-demand SSB is activated on the cell (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate the on-demand SSB), the UE may perform the report triggering evaluation for this measurement identity. It may mean that the UE may perform the report triggering evaluation for this measurement identity during the period when the on-demand SSB is activated. In some implementations, the associated reporting configuration may be configured as periodical reporting. Table 8 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may ignore this measurement identity for report triggering evaluation.

[0170] In some implementations, for a measurement identity, if the event configured in the associated reporting configuration needs to evaluate serving cell measurement result, the UE may determine the type 1 cell with deactivated on-demand SSB to be not applicable. In some implementations, the UE may determine the type 1 cell to be not applicable upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the on-demand SSB. By contrast, for a measurement identity, if the event configured in the associated reporting configuration needs to evaluate serving cell measurement result, the UE may determine the type 1 cell with activated on-demand SSB to be applicable. In some implementations, the UE may determine the type 1 cell to be applicable upon the UE receives the indication to activate the on-demand SSB. In some implementations, for the associated reporting configuration, the triggering event(s) may be configured as A1, A2, A3, A5, or A6. Table 9 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may determine that the type 1 cell with the deactivated on-demand SSB is not applicable.

[0171] In some implementations, for a type 1 cell, the measurement results derived during the period when the on-demand SSB is deactivated may be determined to be inaccurate.

[0172] In some implementations, for a configured type 1 cell, the UE may only determine the cell measurement results which are performed and / or derived during the period when the on-demand SSB is activated for reporting triggering evaluation. By contrast, if the measurement result for this cell is performed and / or derived during the period when the on-demand SSB is deactivated, the UE may determine that the measurement result is invalid, which means the (entering / leaving) condition using the measurement result is not fulfilled. Table 10 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may only determine the cell measurement results which are performed and / or derived during the period when the on-demand SSB is activated for reporting triggering evaluation.

[0173] In some implementations, for a type 1 cell, the UE may stop to perform periodic reporting when the on-demand SSB is deactivated since there is no SSB transmitted for this cell (and thus there is no measurement result for this cell) after the on-demand SSB is deactivated.

[0174] In some implementations, for a measurement identity which is associated with a measurement object indicated by the servingCellMO IE for a type 1 cell, if the associated reporting configuration is configured as periodical reporting and the on-demand SSB is deactivated on the cell (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the on-demand SSB), the UE may ignore this measurement identity for report triggering evaluation. Thus, the UE may not initiate a reporting procedure upon the expiry of the periodic timer since the measurement identity is ignored.

[0175] In some implementations, for a measurement identity associated with a type 1 cell, if the on-demand SSB is deactivated for the cell (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the on-demand SSB), the UE may not initiate a measurement reporting procedure upon the expiry of the periodic timer for this measurement identity. By contrast, if the on-demand SSB is activated for the cell (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate the on-demand SSB), the UE may initiate a measurement reporting procedure upon the expiry of the periodic timer for this measurement identity. Table 11 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may initiate a measurement reporting procedure upon the expiry of the periodic timer for this measurement identity.

[0176] In some implementations, for a measurement identity associated with a type 1 cell, if the on-demand SSB is deactivated for the cell (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the on-demand SSB), the UE may stop the periodical timer for this measurement identity if the timer is running. Thus, the UE may not initiate a reporting procedure due to the expiry of the periodic timer.

[0177] Measurement reporting procedure

[0178] When a measurement reporting procedure is initiated for a measurement identity, the UE may set the content of the measurement report message as follows. For each serving cell configured with the servingCellMO IE, if the derived measurement results for the cell are available, the UE may include the derived measurement result(s) in the measurement report message for the triggered measurement identity. The derived measurement result(s) may be layer 3 filtered RSRP, RSRQ, SINR measurement result or layer 1 filtered RSRP and RSRQ per beam. Afterward, the UE may transmit the measurement report message to the network.

[0179] In some implementations, when a type 1 cell is configured and associated with a measurement object (e.g., indicated by the servingCellMO IE), the UE may determine the measurement result for the cell derived during the period to be not available when the on-demand SSB is deactivated. In some implementations, when a type 1 cell is configured and associated with a measurement object (e.g., indicated by the servingCellMO IE), the UE may not include the derived measurement result(s) in the measurement report message for the triggered measurement identity if the measurement result for the cell is derived during the period when the on-demand SSB is deactivated. By contrast, the UE may determine the measurement result for the cell derived during the period to be available when on-demand SSB is activated. Table 12 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may determine that the measurement result for the cell derived during the period is not available when the on-demand SSB is deactivated.

[0180] In method #1, the on-demand SSB and the configured (enhanced) SSB may be interchangeable. Moreover, type 1 cell, type 2A cell, and type 2B cell may be interchangeable as well. In other words, the embodiments / implementations proposed in method #1 may be applied to a type 2A cell and / or a type 2B cell.

[0181] Method #2 For a cell with two enhanced SSB (patterns)

[0182] In method #2, the UE may be configured with a cell with two configured SSB patterns (e.g., a type 2 cell). When the UE is configured with a type 2 cell, the UE may determine that the SSB will be transmitted based on one of configured SSB patterns on the cell by default, where the default SSB may be configured as the legacy SSB or the enhanced SSB, and the additional SSB pattern may be configured as an enhanced SSB pattern. Moreover, the enhanced SSB (pattern) may be activated / deactivated in a dynamic manner.

[0183] In some implementations, the UE may be configured with legacy SSB-related parameters within a cell configuration, which specifies the default SSB pattern. The SSB-related parameters may include the physCellId, the absoluteFrequencySSB (e.g., ARFCN value), the ssb-PositionsInBurst, the ssbSubcarrierSpacing, the smtc (including the periodicity / offset / duration), and the ssb-periodicityServingCell. Moreover, to configure the additional SSB pattern, the UE may be further configured with additional SSB-related parameters within the same cell configuration. For example, the additional SSB-related parameters may include the physCellId, the absoluteFrequencySSB (e.g., ARFCN value), the ssb-PositionsInBurst, the ssbSubcarrierSpacing, the smtc (including the periodicity / offset / duration), and the ssb-periodicityServingCell. Table 13 below illustrates a cell configuration including multiple SSB patterns, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0184] In some implementations, the SSB-related parameters for additional SSB pattern may be configured within an additional SSB dedicated configuration (e.g., the 2ndSSBConfig IE), indicating the configured parameters is for additional SSB pattern. Table 14 below illustrates an additional SSB dedicated configuration within a cell configuration, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0185] In some implementations, for a type 2 cell, if the absoluteFrequencySSB IE for the additional SSB is configured, its value may be the same as the value of the absoluteFrequencySSB IE for the default SSB. In some implementations, for a type 2 cell, if the absoluteFrequencySSB IE for the additional SSB is absent, the UE may use the absoluteFrequencySSB IE for the default SSB.

[0186] In some implementations, for higher network energy saving gain, when the UE is configured with a type 2 cell, the periodicity of the default SSB pattern may be longer than the periodicity of the additional SSB pattern. The periodicity may be configured by the ssb-periodicityServingCell IE or the periodicity within the smtc IE.

[0187] If the SSB is associated with the SIB1, it may be a Cell-Defining SSB (CD-SSB), and the SSB may be transmitted on the synchronization raster (e.g., the SSB frequency). If the SSB is not associated with the SIB1, it may not be a CD-SSB, and the SSB may or may not be transmitted on the synchronization raster (e.g., the SSB frequency).

[0188] Case 1: Single active SSB pattern

[0189] In case 1, a type 2 cell may be configured with either two CD-SSB patterns or two non-CD-SSB patterns. Thus, a type 2 cell may be configured with two (enhanced / legacy) SSB patterns that have the same SSB frequency (e.g., the ARFCN). Since two SSB patterns have the same SSB frequency, the UE may determine that only one of them can be activated. In other words, two configured SSB patterns may not be activated at the same time. When the UE is indicated (e.g., via RRC / MAC / PHY signaling) that one of the configured SSB patterns is activated, the UE may determine that another configured SSB pattern is deactivated immediately. For example, when the UE is configured with two SSB patterns (e.g., SSB pattern #1 and SSB pattern #2), if SSB pattern #1 is activated, the UE may deactivate SSB pattern #2 immediately. Such type 2 cell may be referred to as a type 2A cell. The ssb-PositionsInBurst, the smtc, the periodicity, the offset, and / or the duration may be referred to as a specific SSB pattern. In other words, a specific SSB pattern may be specified / determined by at least one of the ssb-PositionsInBurst, the smtc, the periodicity, the offset, and / or the duration.

[0190] For all SSB based measurements, the network may configure there is at most one measurement object with the same ssbFrequency (e.g., the ARFCN). Hence, for a type 2A cell, the UE may be configured with at most a measurement object which is associated with the cell (e.g., indicated by the servingCellMO IE). Since two SSB patterns are configured for a type 2A cell, additional parameters may be configured for the additional SSB pattern within the configuration of the measurement object associated with the cell. In some implementations, the additional parameters may include at least one of the smtc1, the periodicity, and the ssb-ToMeasure.

[0191] In some implementations, for a type 2A cell, if the additional SSB is activated and the smtc1 IE for additional SSB (e.g., 2ndsmtc1) is absent, the UE may use the smtc1 IE that is configured for the default SSB (e.g., regardless of the default SSB is activated / deactivated) as the additional SSB measurement timing configuration. In some implementations, for a type 2A cell, if the additional SSB is activated and the periodicity IE for the additional SSB (e.g., 2ndPeriodicity) is absent, the UE may use the periodicity IE that is configured for the default SSB (e.g., regardless of the default SSB is activated / deactivated) as the additional SSB measurement timing configuration. In some implementations, for a type 2A cell, if the additional SSB is activated and the ssb-ToMeasure IE for the additional SSB (e.g., 2ndssb-ToMeasure) is absent, the UE may use the ssb-ToMeasure IE that is configured for the default SSB (e.g., regardless of the default SSB is activated / deactivated) as the additional SSB measurement timing configuration. Table 15 below illustrates a measurement object configuration associated with a type 2A cell, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0192] In addition, for a reporting configuration associated with a measurement identity that is linked to a type 2A cell, additional parameters may be configured for the additional SSB pattern within the reporting configuration. In some implementations, the additional parameters may include at least one of the reportInterval, the reportAmount, and the timeToTrigger.

[0193] In some implementations, for a reporting configuration associated with a measurement identity that is linked to a type 2A cell, if the additional SSB is activated for the cell and the reportInterval IE for the additional SSB (e.g., the 2ndReportInterval) is absent within the reporting configuration, the UE may use the reportInterval IE that is configured for the default SSB (e.g., regardless of the default SSB is activated / deactivated). In some implementations, for a reporting configuration associated with a measurement identity that is linked to a type 2A cell, if the additional SSB is activated for the cell and the reportAmount IE for the additional SSB (e.g., the 2ndReportAmount) is absent within the reporting configuration, the UE may use the reportAmount IE that is configured for the default SSB (e.g., regardless of the default SSB is activated / deactivated). In some implementations, for a reporting configuration associated with a measurement identity that is linked to a type 2A cell, if the additional SSB is activated for the cell and the timeToTrigger IE for the additional SSB (e.g., the 2ndTimeToTrigger) is absent within the reporting configuration, the UE may use the timeToTrigger IE that is configured for the default SSB (e.g., regardless of the default SSB is activated / deactivated). Table 16 below illustrates a reporting configuration associated with a type 2A cell, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0194] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association between a type 2A cell, a measurement object, a reporting configuration, and a measurement identity, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3, for a configured type 2A cell, when the SSB pattern changes (e.g., changes / switches from default SSB pattern (e.g., the SSB pattern #1) to additional SSB pattern (e.g., the SSB pattern #2)), one or more SSB-related parameters (e.g., the set #1 of SSB related parameters for measurement) for the default SSB pattern may be disabled (e.g., the smtc, the periodicity, the ssb-PositionsInBurst). Moreover, one or more SSB-related parameters (e.g., the set #2 of SSB related parameters for measurement) for the additional SSB pattern may be enabled (e.g., the 2ndsmtc, the 2ndperiodicity, the 2ndssb-PositionsInBurst). When a measurement object (e.g., the measObject #1) is configured to be associated with a type 2A cell, and if the UE is indicated that the SSB pattern changes (e.g., the UE receives an indication to activate the additional SSB), the parameters configuring the measurement object may be disabled / enabled as well.

[0195] In some implementations, for a configured type 2A cell, if the UE receives the indication for SSB pattern changes (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate one of configured SSB patterns) for the cell, the UE may perform the measurement on the cell based on at least the parameters that are configured for the activated SSB pattern within the associated measurement object configuration. For example, if the additional SSB pattern is activated, the UE may perform the measurement based on at least the 2ndssb-ToMeasure, the 2ndperiodicity, and / or the 2ndsmtc1.

[0196] In some implementations, in FIG. 3, for a configured type 2A cell, if the UE receives the indication for SSB pattern changes (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate one of configured SSB patterns) for the cell, the UE may perform measurement reporting based on at least the parameters that are configured for the activated SSB pattern within the associated reporting configuration (e.g., the reportConfig #1). For example, if the additional SSB pattern is activated, the UE may perform the measurement reporting based on at least the 2ndReportInterval, the 2ndReportAmount, and / or the 2ndTimeToTrigger (e.g., the Set #2 of reporting related parameters). For example, if the additional SSB pattern is deactivated, the UE may perform the measurement reporting based on at least the ReportInterval, the ReportAmount, and / or the TimeToTrigger (e.g., the Set #1 of reporting related parameters). More specifically, when the reporting configuration associated with a type 2A cell is configured as event triggered, the UE may determine whether the triggering (e.g., entering or leaving) condition is fulfilled for the applicable cell(s) for all measurement results (e.g., after the L3 filtering) during the period defined by the time to trigger parameter configured for the activated SSB pattern (e.g., either the timeToTrigger or the 2ndTimeToTrigger).

[0197] In some implementations, for a configured type 2A cell, if the UE is indicated SSB pattern changes (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate one of configured SSB patterns) for the cell, the UE behaviors on periodic timer may be adjusted.

[0198] In some implementations, for a configured type 2A cell, if the UE receives the indication for SSB pattern changes (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate one of configured SSB patterns), the UE may not stop the periodic timer for the measurement identity associated with the cell if the timer is running. Upon (next) initialization of next measurement reporting procedure, the UE may start the periodic timer with the value of the (enabled) report interval parameter (e.g., either the ReportInterval or the 2ndReportInterval) that is configured for the activated SSB pattern.

[0199] In some implementations, for a configured type 2A cell, if the UE receives the indication for SSB pattern changes (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate one of configured SSB patterns), the UE may stop the periodic timer for the measurement identity associated with the cell if the timer is running. Upon (next) initialization of the next measurement reporting procedure, the UE may start the periodic timer with the value of the enabled report interval parameter (e.g., either the ReportInterval or the 2ndReportInterval) that is configured for the activated SSB pattern.

[0200] In some implementations, for a configured type 2A cell, if the UE receives the indication for SSB pattern changes (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate one of configured SSB patterns), the UE may restart (e.g., restart after a specific duration, or restart after several slots / symbols / msec) the periodic timer with the value of the enabled report interval parameter (e.g., either the ReportInterval or the 2ndReportInterval) that is configured for the activated SSB pattern.

[0201] The timer behavior may be further configured by the gNB. The gNB may indicate whether the previous running timer will be stopped / suspended / reset via a new information IE included in the reportConfig IE. In some implementations, while two respective timers (e.g., the ReportInterval and the 2ndReportInterval) is configured in a reporting configuration associated with a type 2A cell, the UE may determine that the previous running timer will be stopped while the current SSB pattern is adapted to another configured SSB pattern, and a corresponding timer for the adapted SSB pattern will be started if this new IE is absent; otherwise, this new IE may be provided to configure the timer behavior.

[0202] In some implementations, for a configured type 2A cell, if the UE is indicated SSB pattern changes, the UE behaviors on number of reports sent may be adjusted. In some implementations, for a configured type 2A cell, if the UE receives the indication for SSB pattern changes (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate one of configured SSB patterns), the UE may set the number of reports sent (e.g., the UE variable numberOfReportsSent) for the measurement identity associated with the cell to 0. In some implementations, for a configured type 2A cell, if the UE receives the indication for SSB pattern changes (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate one of configured SSB patterns) and the report amount (e.g., the 2ndReportAmount) configured for the activated SSB pattern is present, the UE may apply the report amount and set the number of reports sent (e.g., the UE variable numberOfReportsSent) for the measurement identity associated with the cell to 0.

[0203] In some implementations, for a configured type 2A cell, if the UE receives the indication for SSB pattern changes (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate one of configured SSB patterns) for the cell, the UE may discard / release the existing cell measurement result(s) for the cell. In some implementations, if the UE receives the indication for SSB pattern changes (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate one of configured SSB patterns) for the cell, the UE may determine the existing cell measurement result(s) for the cell to be not valid / available. When one or more measurement results are determined to be not valid / available, the enhanced measurement and reporting procedure in method #1 may be applied.

[0204] In some implementations, for a configured type 2A cell, upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate one of configured SSB patterns, embodiments / implementations in method #1 may be applied. That is, embodiments upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the on-demand SSB may be applied to this case.

[0205] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association between a type 2A cell and measurement objects, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. A type 2 cell may be configured with two (enhanced / legacy) SSB patterns that have the same SSB frequency (e.g., the ARFCN #1). In some implementations, as illustrated in FIG. 4, for a configured type 2A cell, the UE may be configured with two measurement objects (e.g., the meansObject #1 and the meansObject #2) to be associated with this cell, where the first measurement object (e.g., the meansObject #1) may be associated with the default SSB pattern (e.g., the SSB pattern #1), and the second measurement object (e.g., the meansObject #2) may be associated with the additional SSB pattern (e.g., the SSB pattern #2). To achieve this, the serving cell configuration for a type 2A cell may further include two servingCellMO IEs (e.g., the servingCellMO #1 and the servingCellMO #2)), where the servingCellMO #1 may indicate that the measurement object (e.g., the meansObject #1) is associated with the default SSB pattern (e.g., the SSB pattern #1), and the servingCellMO #2 may indicate that the measurement object (e.g., the meansObject #2) is associated with the additional SSB pattern (e.g., the SSB pattern #2). In this case, two configured measurement objects may be associated with the same (type 2A) cell. In this case, two configured measurement objects may be associated with different reporting configurations (e.g., the reportConfig #1 and the reportConfig #2) respectively.

[0206] In some implementations, for a type 2A cell configured with two servingCellMOs, if a configured SSB is deactivated (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the configured SSB), the UE may ignore the servingCellMO IE configured for the deactivated SSB.

[0207] In some implementations, for a measurement identity which is associated with a measurement object indicated by the servingCellMO IE for a type 2A cell, when the associated reporting configuration is configured as event triggered or periodical reporting, if the configured SSB associated with the measurement object is deactivated on the cell (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the configured SSB), the UE may ignore this measurement identity for report triggering evaluation. It may mean that the UE may ignore this measurement identity for report triggering evaluation during the period when the configured SSB is deactivated. In some implementations, the triggering event(s) may be configured as A1, A2, A3, A5, and A6 which need to evaluate serving cell measurement result. By contrast, for a measurement identity which is associated with a measurement object indicated by servingCellMO for a type 2A cell, if the configured SSB associated with the measurement object is activated on the cell (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate the configured SSB), the UE may perform report triggering evaluation for this measurement identity. Table 17 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may ignore this measurement identity for report triggering evaluation.

[0208] Case 2: Two active SSB patterns

[0209] In case 2, a type 2 cell may be configured with one CD-SSB pattern and one non-CD-SSB pattern. Thus, a type 2 cell may be configured with two SSB patterns that have different SSB frequency (e.g., the ARFCN). Since two SSB patterns have different SSB frequency, the UE may determine that both of configured SSB patterns can be activated concurrently. When the UE is indicated (e.g., via RRC / MAC / PHY signaling) that one of the configured SSB patterns is activated, the UE may determine that another configured SSB pattern is not deactivated. For example, when a type 2 cell is configured with two SSB patterns (e.g., the SSB pattern #1 on the ARFCN #1 and the SSB pattern #2 on the ARFCN #2), the SSB pattern #1 may be activated by default once the cell is configured. Afterward, the UE may be indicated that the SSB pattern #2 is activated as well. At that time, the SSB pattern #1 and the SSB pattern #2 may be both activated. Such type 2 cell may be referred to as a type 2B cell. The ssb-PositionsInBurst, the smtc, the periodicity, the offset, and / or the duration may be referred to as a specific SSB pattern. In other words, a specific SSB pattern may be specified / determined by at least one of the ssb-PositionsInBurst, the smtc, the periodicity, the offset, and / or the duration.

[0210] Similar to the configuration for a type 2A cell, to configure the additional SSB pattern for a type 2B cell, the UE may be further configured with additional SSB-related parameters within the same cell configuration. For example, the additional SSB-related parameters may be at least one of the physCellId, the absoluteFrequencySSB (e.g., the ARFCN value), the ssb-PositionsInBurst, the ssbSubcarrierSpacing, the smtc (including the periodicity / offset / duration), and the ssb-periodicityServingCell.

[0211] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association between a type 2B cell and measurement objects, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5, for serving cell measurement purposes, for a configured type 2B cell, the UE may be configured with two measurement objects (e.g., the meansObject #1 and the meansObject #2) to be associated with this cell, where the first measurement object (e.g., the meansObject #1) may be associated with the default SSB pattern (e.g., the SSB pattern #1), and the second measurement object (e.g., the meansObject #2) may be associated with the additional SSB pattern (e.g., the SSB pattern #2). To achieve this, the configuration for a type 2B cell may include two servingCellMO IEs (e.g., the servingCellMO #1 and the servingCellMO #2), where the first servingCellMO IE (e.g., the servingCellMO #1) may indicate that the measurement object (e.g., the meansObject #1) is associated with the default SSB pattern (e.g., the SSB pattern #1), and the second servingCellMO IE (e.g., the servingCellMO #2) may indicate that the measurement object (e.g., the meansObject #2) is associated with the additional SSB pattern (e.g., the SSB pattern #2). In this case, two configured measurement objects may be associated with the same (type 2B) cell. In this case, two configured measurement objects may be associated with different reporting configurations (e.g., the reportConfig #1 and the reportConfig #2) respectively.

[0212] Table 18 below illustrates a type 2B cell configuration with an additional SSB configuration, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0213] In some implementations, when the UE is configured with a cell with two SSB patterns, if the additional SSB frequency is absent, the servingCellMO IE may be absent as well, and the UE may determine that the configured cell is a type 2A cell. In some implementations, when the UE is configured with a cell with two SSB patterns, if the additional SSB frequency is absent and the servingCellMO IE is present, the UE may ignore the servingCellMO IE and determine that the configured cell is a type 2A cell. If the additional SSB frequency is present, the UE may expect that the frequency of the additional SSB pattern is different from the value of the default SSB pattern, and the UE may determine that the configured cell is a type 2B cell.

[0214] In some implementations, if two measurement objects are configured to be associated with the same serving cell, the value of the SSB frequency for each of two measurement objects may be different.

[0215] For a configured type 2B cell, like the scenario when a type 1 cell is configured, since the additional SSB may be deactivated, it may introduce unnecessary measurement when there is no SSB transmission on the SSB frequency for the additional SSB and further lead to inaccurate reporting. Thus, implementations in the present disclosure for a type 1 cell may be applied to a type 2B cell.

[0216] In some implementations, for a configured type 2B cell, when the additional SSB are activated (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate the additional SSB), there may be no need to measure the configured (default) SSB (e.g., the SSB with longer periodicity).

[0217] In some implementations, for a configured Type 2B cell, for measurement, the UE may first identify which configured servingCellMO IE for the cell is valid. Specifically, for a type 2B cell configured with two servingCellMO IEs, if the additional SSB is activated for the cell, the UE may determine that the servingCellMO IE for the additional SSB is valid and the servingCellMO IE for the default SSB is invalid. By contrast, if the additional SSB is deactivated, the UE may determine that the servingCellMO IE for the additional SSB is invalid and the servingCellMO IE for the default SSB is valid. Moreover, if the servingCellMO IE for a cell is valid, the UE may determine that the cell is associated with the measurement object indicated by the valid servingCellMO IE. Thus, the UE may perform measurements and / or derive the corresponding measurement results for the cell(s) based on the measurement object indicated by a valid servingCellMO IE. In some implementations, if the additional SSB is deactivated (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to deactivate the additional SSB), the UE may ignore the servingCellMO IE associated with the additional SSB. If the additional SSB is activated (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate the additional SSB), the UE may ignore the servingCellMO IE associated with default SSB.

[0218] Table 19 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may identify which configured servingCellMO IE for the cell is valid.

[0219] Table 20 below illustrates an example of UE behaviors, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure. For example, the UE may ignore the servingCellMO IE associated with default SSB.

[0220] In some implementations, for a configured type 2B cell, when both configured SSB patterns are activated (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate the additional SSB pattern), the UE may perform the measurement based on two activated SSB patterns respectively. For example, in FIG. 4, for the configured cell, the UE may perform / derive measurement based on the measurement object (e.g., the meansObject #1) indicated by the measurement object configuration (e.g., the servingCellMO #1). Furthermore, the UE may perform / derive measurement based on the measurement object (e.g., the meansObject #2) indicated by the measurement object configuration (e.g., the servingCellMO #2). More specifically, when both configured SSB patterns are activated (e.g., upon the UE receives the indication to activate the additional SSB pattern), and once the UE detects SSB (e.g., which may be one of configured SSBs), the UE may determine the detected SSB(s) as the input of the layer-1 filtering.

[0221] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method / process 600 performed by a UE for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0222] In the action 602, the process 600 may start by receiving, from a base station (BS), a radio resource control (RRC) message including a first measurement object (MO) configuration associated with a cell.

[0223] In the action 604, the process 600 may determine whether a second MO configuration associated with an on-demand (OD)-synchronization signal block (SSB) of the cell is included in the RRC message.

[0224] In the action 606, the process 600 may determine, based on an indication received from the BS, whether a transmission of the OD-SSB associated with the cell is activated.

[0225] In the action 608, the process 600 may in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: perform an OD-SSB-based measurement based on the second MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is included in the RRC message, and perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is not included in the RRC message. The process 600 may then end.

[0226] In some implementations, the first MO configuration may be associated with a first frequency, and the second MO configuration may be associated with a second frequency.

[0227] In some implementations, the first MO configuration may include a first parameter associated with the first frequency, and the process 600 may apply the first parameter for an SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is not activated.

[0228] In some implementations, the process 600 may determine whether a second parameter associated with the first frequency is included in the first MO configuration, and in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: apply the first parameter for the OD-SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the second parameter is not included in the first MO configuration, and apply the second parameter for the OD-SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the second parameter is included in the first MO configuration.

[0229] In some implementations, the second MO configuration may include a third parameter associated with the second frequency, and the process 600 may apply the third parameter for the OD-SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated.

[0230] In some implementations, the first parameter may indicate a first periodicity for the SSB-based measurement, the second parameter may indicate a second periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and the third parameter may indicate a third periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

[0231] In some implementations, the first parameter may indicate a first beam set to be measured for the SSB-based measurement, the second parameter may indicate a second beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and the third parameter may indicate a third beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

[0232] The steps / actions shown in FIG. 6 should not be construed as necessarily order dependent. The order in which the process is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation. Moreover, some of the actions shown in FIG. 6 may be omitted in some implementations and one or more actions shown in FIG. 6 may be combined.

[0233] The technical problem addressed by the method illustrated in FIG. 6 is how to efficiently manage and perform measurements associated with on-demand synchronization signal blocks (OD-SSBs) in a cell, particularly when a user equipment (UE) needs to determine the appropriate measurement object (MO) configuration to use based on the presence or absence of a second MO configuration dedicated to OD-SSBs, while also adapting to dynamic activation or deactivation of OD-SSB transmissions indicated by a base station (BS), thereby avoiding unnecessary measurements and ensuring accurate synchronization in scenarios where SSB transmissions are not continuously available. The advantageous technical effect achieved by the method illustrated in FIG. 6 is that it enables the UE to flexibly and accurately perform OD-SSB-based measurements by selecting the appropriate MO configuration, either the first MO configuration or the second MO configuration, depending on whether a dedicated OD-SSB configuration is provided and whether the OD-SSB transmission is activated, thus optimizing power consumption, reducing measurement overhead, and enhancing measurement reliability in dynamic network conditions where on-demand SSB operations are employed.

[0234] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method / process 700 performed by a BS for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0235] In the action 702, the process 700 may start by transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), a radio resource control (RRC) message including a first measurement object (MO) configuration associated with a cell.

[0236] In the action 704, the process 700 may determine whether to include a second MO configuration associated with an on-demand (OD)-synchronization signal block (SSB) of the cell in the RRC message.

[0237] In the action 706, the process 700 may transmit, to the UE, an indication to indicate whether a transmission of the OD-SSB associated with the cell is activated.

[0238] In the action 708, the process 700 may in a case that the indication indicates that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: transmit an OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform an OD-SSB-based measurement based on the second MO configuration in a case that the second MO configuration is included in the RRC message, and transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first MO configuration in a case that the second MO configuration is not included in the RRC message. The process 700 may then end.

[0239] In some implementations, the first MO configuration may be associated with a first frequency, and the second MO configuration may be associated with a second frequency.

[0240] In some implementations, the first MO configuration may include a first parameter associated with the first frequency, and the process 700 may transmit an SSB to enable the UE to perform an SSB-based measurement based on the first parameter in a case that the indication indicates that the transmission of the OD-SSB is not activated.

[0241] In some implementations, the process 700 may determine whether to include a second parameter associated with the first frequency in the first MO configuration, and in a case that the indication indicates that transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first parameter in a case that the second parameter is not included in the first MO configuration, and transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on second parameter in a case that the second parameter is included in the first MO configuration.

[0242] In some implementations, the second MO configuration may include a third parameter associated with the second frequency, and the process 700 may transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the third parameter in a case that the indication indicates that transmission of the OD-SSB is activated.

[0243] In some implementations, the first parameter may indicate a first periodicity for the SSB-based measurement, the second parameter may indicate a second periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and the third parameter may indicate a third periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

[0244] In some implementations, the first parameter may indicate a first beam set to be measured for the SSB-based measurement, the second parameter may indicate a second beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and the third parameter may indicate a third beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

[0245] The steps / actions shown in FIG. 7 should not be construed as necessarily order dependent. The order in which the process is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation. Moreover, some of the actions shown in FIG. 7 may be omitted in some implementations and one or more actions shown in FIG. 7 may be combined.

[0246] The method illustrated in FIG. 7 is similar to that in FIG. 6, except that it is described from the perspective of the BS (instead of the UE).

[0247] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a node 800 for wireless communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a node 800 may include a transceiver 820, a processor 828, a memory 834, one or more presentation components 838, and at least one antenna 836. The node 800 may also include a radio frequency (RF) spectrum band module, a BS communications module, a network communications module, and a system communications management module, Input / Output (I / O) ports, I / O components, and a power supply (not illustrated in FIG. 8).

[0248] Each of the components may directly or indirectly communicate with each other over one or more buses 840. The node 800 may be a UE or a BS that performs various functions disclosed with reference to FIGS. 6 through 7.

[0249] The transceiver 820 has a transmitter 822 (e.g., transmitting / transmission circuitry) and a receiver 824 (e.g., receiving / reception circuitry) and may be configured to transmit and / or receive time and / or frequency resource partitioning information. The transceiver 820 may be configured to transmit in different types of subframes and slots including, but not limited to, usable, non-usable, and flexibly usable subframes and slot formats. The transceiver 820 may be configured to receive data and control channels.

[0250] The node 800 may include a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media may be any available media that may be accessed by the node 800 and include volatile (and / or non-volatile) media and removable (and / or non-removable) media.

[0251] The computer-readable media may include computer-storage media and communication media. Computer-storage media may include both volatile (and / or non-volatile media), and removable (and / or non-removable) media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or data.

[0252] Computer-storage media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory (or other memory technology), CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disks (DVD) (or other optical disk storage), magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage (or other magnetic storage devices), etc. Computer-storage media may not include a propagated data signal. Communication media may typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanisms and include any information delivery media.

[0253] The term “modulated data signal” may mean a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Communication media may include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media, such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above listed components should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0254] The memory 834 may include computer-storage media in the form of volatile and / or non-volatile memory. The memory 834 may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Example memory may include solid-state memory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the memory 834 may store a computer-readable and / or computer-executable instructions 832 (e.g., software codes) that are configured to, when executed, cause the processor 828 to perform various functions disclosed herein, for example, with reference to FIGS. 6 through 7. Alternatively, the instructions 832 may not be directly executable by the processor 828 but may be configured to cause the node 800 (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform various functions disclosed herein.

[0255] The processor 828 (e.g., having processing circuitry) may include an intelligent hardware device, e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc. The processor 828 may include memory. The processor 828 may process the data 830 and the instructions 832 received from the memory 834, and information transmitted and received via the transceiver 820, the baseband communications module, and / or the network communications module. The processor 828 may also process information to send to the transceiver 820 for transmission via the antenna 636 to the network communications module for transmission to a CN.

[0256] One or more presentation components 838 may present data indications to a person or another device. Examples of presentation components 838 may include a display device, a speaker, a printing component, a vibrating component, etc.

[0257] In view of the present disclosure, it is obvious that various techniques may be used for implementing the disclosed concepts without departing from the scope of those concepts. Moreover, while the concepts have been disclosed with specific reference to certain implementations, a person of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of those concepts. As such, the disclosed implementations are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It should also be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular implementations disclosed and many rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE) for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), the UE comprising: 　　　　at least one processor; and 　　　　at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to at least one processor and storing one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE to: 　　　　　　　　receive, from a base station (BS), a radio resource control (RRC) message comprising a first measurement object (MO) configuration associated with a cell; 　　　　　　　　determine whether a second MO configuration associated with an on-demand (OD)-synchronization signal block (SSB) of the cell is included in the RRC message; 　　　　　　　　determine, based on an indication received from the BS, whether a transmission of the OD-SSB associated with the cell is activated; and 　　　　　　　　in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: 　　　　　　　　　　　　perform an OD-SSB-based measurement based on the second MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is included in the RRC message; and 　　　　　　　　　　　　perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is not included in the RRC message.

2. The UE of claim 1, wherein: 　　　　the first MO configuration is associated with a first frequency, and 　　　　the second MO configuration is associated with a second frequency.

3. The UE of claim 2, wherein: 　　　　the first MO configuration comprises a first parameter associated with the first frequency, and 　　　　the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the UE to: 　　　　　　　　apply the first parameter for an SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is not activated.

4. The UE of claim 3, wherein the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the UE to: 　　　　determine whether a second parameter associated with the first frequency is included in the first MO configuration; and 　　　　in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: 　　　　　　　　apply the first parameter for the OD-SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the second parameter is not included in the first MO configuration; and 　　　　　　　　apply the second parameter for the OD-SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the second parameter is included in the first MO configuration.

5. The UE of claim 4, wherein: 　　　　the second MO configuration comprises a third parameter associated with the second frequency, and 　　　　the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the UE to: 　　　　　　　　apply the third parameter for the OD-SSB-based measurement in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated.

6. The UE of claim 5, wherein: 　　　　the first parameter indicates a first periodicity for the SSB-based measurement, 　　　　the second parameter indicates a second periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and 　　　　the third parameter indicates a third periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

7. The UE of claim 5, wherein: 　　　　the first parameter indicates a first beam set to be measured for the SSB-based measurement, 　　　　the second parameter indicates a second beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and 　　　　the third parameter indicates a third beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

8. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), the method comprising: 　　　　receiving, from a base station (BS), a radio resource control (RRC) message comprising a first measurement object (MO) configuration associated with a cell; 　　　　determining whether a second MO configuration associated with an on-demand (OD)-synchronization signal block (SSB) of the cell is included in the RRC message; 　　　　determining, based on an indication received from the BS, whether a transmission of the OD-SSB associated with the cell is activated; and 　　　　in response to determining that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: 　　　　　　　　performing an OD-SSB-based measurement based on the second MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is included in the RRC message; and 　　　　　　　　performing the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first MO configuration in response to determining that the second MO configuration is not included in the RRC message.

9. A base station (BS) for performing measurements associated with synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), the BS comprising: 　　　　at least one processor; and 　　　　at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to at least one processor and storing one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the BS to: 　　　　　　　　transmit, to a user equipment (UE), a radio resource control (RRC) message comprising a first measurement object (MO) configuration associated with a cell; 　　　　　　　　determine whether to include a second MO configuration associated with an on-demand (OD)-synchronization signal block (SSB) of the cell in the RRC message; 　　　　　　　　transmit, to the UE, an indication to indicate whether a transmission of the OD-SSB associated with the cell is activated; and 　　　　　　　　in a case that the indication indicates that the transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: 　　　　　　　　　　　　transmit an OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform an OD-SSB-based measurement based on the second MO configuration in a case that the second MO configuration is included in the RRC message; and 　　　　　　　　　　　　transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first MO configuration in a case that the second MO configuration is not included in the RRC message.

10. The BS of claim 9, wherein: 　　　　the first MO configuration is associated with a first frequency, and 　　　　the second MO configuration is associated with a second frequency.

11. The BS of claim 10, wherein: 　　　　the first MO configuration comprises a first parameter associated with the first frequency, and 　　　　the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the BS to: 　　　　　　　　transmit an SSB to enable the UE to perform an SSB-based measurement based on the first parameter in a case that the indication indicates that the transmission of the OD-SSB is not activated.

12. The BS of claim 11, wherein the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the BS to: 　　　　determine whether to include a second parameter associated with the first frequency in the first MO configuration; and 　　　　in a case that the indication indicates that transmission of the OD-SSB is activated: 　　　　　　　　transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the first parameter in a case that the second parameter is not included in the first MO configuration; and 　　　　　　　　transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on second parameter in a case that the second parameter is included in the first MO configuration.

13. The BS of claim 12, wherein: 　　　　the second MO configuration comprises a third parameter associated with the second frequency, and 　　　　the one or more computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the BS to: 　　　　　　　　transmit the OD-SSB to enable the UE to perform the OD-SSB-based measurement based on the third parameter in a case that the indication indicates that transmission of the OD-SSB is activated.

14. The BS of claim 13, wherein: 　　　　the first parameter indicates a first periodicity for the SSB-based measurement, 　　　　the second parameter indicates a second periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and 　　　　the third parameter indicates a third periodicity for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

15. The BS of claim 13, wherein: 　　　　the first parameter indicates a first beam set to be measured for the SSB-based measurement, 　　　　the second parameter indicates a second beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement, and 　　　　the third parameter indicates a third beam set to be measured for the OD-SSB-based measurement.

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