Data collection

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to data collection. In an aspect, a terminal device transmits, to a terminal device, a capability request. The terminal device receives, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity. In this way, the UE capability may be enhanced.

Description

DATA COLLECTIONFIELD

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to the field of telecommunication and in particular, to a terminal device, network devices, methods, apparatuses and a computer readable medium for data collection.BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication network can be seen as a facility that enables communications between two or more communication devices, or provides communication devices access to a data network. A mobile or wireless communication network is one example of a communication network.

[0003] Such communication networks operate in accordance with standards, such as those promulgated by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of such standards include the so-called 5G (5th Generation) standard or other standards promulgated by 3GPP.SUMMARY

[0004] In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for data collection and to obtain data collection continuity.

[0005] In a first aspect, there is provided a terminal device. The terminal device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the terminal device at least to: receive, from a network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; perform at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during at least one RRC state change; and transmit, to the network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier after switching to a RRC connected state.

[0006] In a second aspect, there is provided a network device. The network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the network device at least to: transmit, to a terminal device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; connect with the terminal device after at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change of the terminal device; and receive, from the terminal device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0007] In a third aspect, there is provided a method performed by a terminal device. The method comprises: receiving, from a network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; performing at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during at least one RRC state change; and transmitting, to the network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier after switching to a RRC connected state.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method performed by a network device. The method comprises: transmitting, to a terminal device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; connecting with the terminal device after at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change of the terminal device; and receiving, from the terminal device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; means for performing at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during at least one RRC state change; and means for transmitting, to the network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier after switching to a RRC connected state.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a terminal device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; means for connecting with the terminal device after at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change of the terminal device; and means for receiving, from the terminal device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a terminal device. The terminal device comprises: means to receive, from a network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; performing circuitry configured to perform at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during at least one RRC state change; and means to transmit, to the network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier after switching to a RRC connected state.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a network device. The network device comprises: means to transmit, to a terminal device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration,respectively; connecting circuitry configured to connect with the terminal device after at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change of the terminal device; and means to receive, from the terminal device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, there is provided a terminal device. The terminal device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the terminal device at least to: receive, from a first network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; perform a handover from the first network device to a second network device, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during the handover; and transmit, to the second network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, there is provided a first network device. The first network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the first network device at least to: obtain at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task; determine at least one measurement configuration for data collection based on the at least one data collection configuration; transmit, to a terminal device, the at least one measurement configuration and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively.

[0015] In an eleventh aspect, there is provided a second network device. The second network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the second network device at least to: receive, from a terminal device, first information associated with at least one identifier stored by the terminal device, wherein the at least one identifier is associated with measurement configurations for data collection; determine whether to continue the data collection from the terminal device; and transmit, to the terminal device, instruction information associated with the first information based on the determination.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, there is provided a method performed by a terminal device. The method comprises: receiving, from a first network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; performing a handover from the first network device to a second network device, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during the handover; and transmitting, to the second network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0017] In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a method performed by a first network device. The method comprises: obtaining at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task; determining at least one measurement configuration for data collection based on the at least one data collection configuration; transmitting, to a terminal device, the at least one measurement configuration andat least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively.

[0018] In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a method performed by a second network device. The method comprises: receiving, from a terminal device, first information associated with at least one identifier stored by the terminal device, wherein the at least one identifier is associated with measurement configurations for data collection; determining whether to continue the data collection from the terminal device; and transmitting, to the terminal device, instruction information associated with the first information based on the determination.

[0019] In a fifteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a first network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; means for performing a handover from the first network device to a second network device, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during the handover; and means for transmitting, to the second network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0020] In a sixteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for obtaining at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task; means for determining at least one measurement configuration for data collection based on the at least one data collection configuration; means for transmitting, to a terminal device, the at least one measurement configuration and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively.

[0021] In a seventeenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a terminal device, first information associated with at least one identifier stored by the terminal device, wherein the at least one identifier is associated with measurement configurations for data collection; means for determining whether to continue the data collection from the terminal device; and means for transmitting, to the terminal device, instruction information associated with the first information based on the determination.

[0022] In an eighteenth aspect, there is provided a terminal device. The terminal device comprises: means to receive, from a first network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; performing circuitry configured to perform a handover from the first network device to a second network device, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during the handover; and means to transmit, to the second network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0023] In a nineteenth aspect, there is provided a first network device. The first network device comprises: obtaining circuitry configured to obtain at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collectiontask; determining circuitry configured to determine at least one measurement configuration for data collection based on the at least one data collection configuration; means to transmit, to a terminal device, the at least one measurement configuration and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively.

[0024] In a twentieth aspect, there is provided a second network device. The second network device comprises: means to receive, from a terminal device, first information associated with at least one identifier stored by the terminal device, wherein the at least one identifier is associated with measurement configurations for data collection; determining circuitry configured to determine whether to continue the data collection from the terminal device; and means to transmit, to the terminal device, instruction information associated with the first information based on the determination.

[0025] In a twenty-first aspect, there is provided a terminal device. The terminal device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the terminal device at least to: receive, from a network device, a capability request; and transmit, to the network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

[0026] In a twenty-second aspect, there is provided a network device. The network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions cause the network device at least to: transmit, to a terminal device, a capability request; and receive, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

[0027] In a twenty-third aspect, there is provided a method performed by a terminal device. The method comprises: receiving, from a network device, a capability request; and transmitting, to the network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

[0028] In a twenty-fourth aspect, there is provided a method performed by a network device. The method comprises: transmitting, to a terminal device, a capability request; and receiving, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

[0029] In a twenty-fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a network device, a capability request; and means for transmitting, to the network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

[0030] In a twenty-sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a terminal device, a capability request; and means for receiving, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

[0031] In a twenty-seventh aspect, there is provided a terminal device. The terminal device comprises: means to receive, from a network device, a capability request; and means to transmit, to the network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

[0032] In a twenty-eighth aspect, there is provided a network device. The network device comprises: means to transmit, to a terminal device, a capability request; and means to receive, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

[0033] In a twenty-ninth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to any one of the above third, fourth, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteen, twenty-third and twenty-fifth aspects.

[0034] In a thirtieth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising program instructions for performing at least the method according to any one of the above third, fourth, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteen, twenty-third and twenty-fifth aspects.

[0035] In a thirty-first aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus at least to perform at least the method according to any one of the above third, fourth, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteen, twenty-third and twenty-fifth aspects.

[0036] It is to be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Fig. 1 illustrates an example communication system in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0039] Fig. 2A illustrates an example signaling chart of a first example process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig. 2B illustrates an example signaling chart of a second example process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig. 2C illustrates an example signaling chart of a third example process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig. 3A illustrates an example diagram illustrating the relation among immediate MDT parameters sets, RRC configurations and configuration identifiers according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig. 3B illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario of configuring a group of UEs for data collection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figs. 4A-4E illustrate schematic diagrams illustrating flows of management based minimization of drive test according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method implemented at a terminal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method implemented at a network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method implemented at a terminal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method implemented at a first network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method implemented at a second network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method implemented at a terminal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method implemented at a network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig. 12 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus that is suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0053] Fig. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer readable medium in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0056] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0057] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0058] It shall be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0060] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0061] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0062] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-loT) and so on. Furthermore, the communications between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocols, including, but not limited to, the first generation (1 G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G), the future sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, there will of course also be future type communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be embodied. It should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the aforementioned system.

[0063] As used herein, the term “network device” refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. The network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), aremote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology.

[0064] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehiclemounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0065] Principles and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Reference is first made to Fig. 1 , which illustrates an example communication system 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. As shown in Fig. 1 , the environment 100, which may be a part of a communication network, comprises a first terminal device 110-1 , a second terminal device 110-2, a third terminal device 110-3, and a first network device 120-1. The first terminal device 110-1 , the second terminal device 110-2 and the third terminal device 110-3 may be collectively referred to terminal devices 110. The first network device 120-1 may be a gNB, or a NetWork (NW) or a TRP, which schedules a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first cell 141 . The terminal device 110 is capable of connecting and communicating in an UL or DL with the first network device 120-1 as long as the terminal device 110 is located within the corresponding cells (e.g., the first cell 141) of the first network device 120-1 .

[0066] In some embodiments, the environment 100 may further include a second network device 120-2. The second network device 120-2 may be a gNB, or a NetWork (NW) or a TRP, which schedules a second BWP or a second cell 142. The first network device 120-1 and the second network device 120-2 may be collectively referred to network devices 120.

[0067] When the first terminal device 110-1 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the first terminal device 110-1 may measure the quality of the beam from the second cell 142 and provides ameasurement report to the first network device 120-1 for determining whether to perform a handover (HO) procedure of the serving cell. When the quality of the beam from the second cell 142 is better, the first network device 120-1 may determine to hand over the terminal device 110 from the first cell 141 to the second cell 142. The first network device 120-1 and the first cell 141 may be referred to as a source network device and a source cell, respectively. The second network device 120-2 and the second cell 142 may be referred to as a target network device and a target cell, respectively. In some embodiments, the HO procedure of the serving cell may be triggered due to other reasons than the position movement of the terminal device, and may be determined by measuring other measurement parameters and based on other decision conditions.

[0068] In communication systems, an UL refers to a link in a direction from a terminal device 110 to a network device 120, and a DL refers to a link in a direction from the network device 120 to the terminal device 110. The network device 120 may transmit scheduling information scheduling an uplink transmission to the terminal device 110, and the terminal device 110 may transmit a uplink transmission or a plurality of repetitions of the uplink transmission to the network device 120.

[0069] Communications in the communication system 100 may be implemented according to any proper communication protocol(s), comprising, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1 G), the second generation (2G), the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G) and the sixth generation (6G) and on the like, wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Moreover, the communication may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0070] It is to be understood that the numbers of devices (i.e., the terminal device 110 and the network device 120) and their connection relationships and types shown in Fig. 1 are only for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitation. For example, the communication system 100 may include any suitable numbers of devices adapted for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, while Fig. 1 depicts the terminal device 110 as a mobile phone, the terminal device 110 may be any type of user equipment.

[0071] Training data collection (TDC) for artificial intelligence (Al) / machine learning (ML) models (both UE-sided models and network (NW)-sided models) is under discussion. For instance, for UE-sided TDC, three options are proposed. In option 1 , the UE collects and directly transfers training data to the (transparent or non-transparent) over-the-top (OTT) server. In option 2, the UE collects training data andtransfers it to the core network (CN), and the core network transfers the training data to the OTT server. In option 3, the UE collects training data and transfers it to the operation, administration and maintenance (OAM), and the 0AM transfers the needed data to the OTT server. Minimization of drive rest (MDT) is a framework of data collection for both NW-sided and UE-sided models. There are two types of MDT including management based MDT and signaling based MDT.

[0072] In the management based MDT, MDT data is collected from UEs in a specified area. The area is defined as a list of cells (UTRAN, E-UTRAN or NG-RAN) or as a list of tracking / routing / location areas. Here, the data is collected from a group of UEs in a specific area. In management-based MDT, the target area for data collection is decided by OAM. Then, a MDT activation is initiated by OAM and delivered to the gNB(s) in the targeted area. Then, the gNB performs UE selection for data collection based on the received MDT parameters. This type of MDT is more scalable and suits the purpose of TDC.

[0073] In the signaling based MDT, MDT data is collected from one specific UE. The UE that is participating in the MDT data collection is specified as I MEI (SV) or as IMSI. Here, a specific UE can be tracked for data collection.

[0074] Both MDT types can collect data from UE during RRC connected (referred to as an immediate MDT) and during RRC idle and inactive (referred to as a logged MDT). It should be understood that the immediate MDT and the logged MDT employ different configurations and procedures, e.g., “logged MDT configuration” is used for the logged MDT and “RRC measurement configuration” is used for the immediate MDT.

[0075] In many use cases, e.g., a UE trajectory prediction, it is beneficial to collect data for AI / ML training (and inference) in a continuous manner, i.e., with no gaps due to RRC state changes and context loss. The continuity in TDC may involve various aspects, e.g., the continuity over RRC connected and idle / inactive states, or the continuity over the same RRC states.

[0076] To accomplish the continuity over RRC connected and idle / inactive states, the same data collection characteristics (sampling frequency, etc.) may apply over all RRC state types. This can be established by using consistent immediate and logged MDT data collection configurations, e.g., by having the same cell IDs list for Logged MDT and Immediate MDT (Continued Area Scope), that would be part of and tied to the TDC configuration.

[0077] Regarding the continuity over the same RRC states (e.g., connected states, while UE context is lost at the gNB), two aspects may be involved, i.e., 1) track and report of data in case of RRC state changes, and 2) continuity in data collection when transiting from idle or inactive to connected.

[0078] Continuity over RRC connected states can simply be maintained in case of signaling-based MDT considering availability of UE’s unique identifier from the core network. However, in management-based MDT, the RRC state transition results in loss of UE context at the gNB. Hence, the continuity cannot be established.For instance, consider a UE which is configured to collect immediate MDT data during connected mode. If the UE transits to RRC idle or inactive, its context is deleted at the gNB. Therefore, when the UE goes back to connected, even when served by the same gNB, there’s no way for the gNB to find out this newly connected UE is the same UE. This means, because of RRC state changes, data collection continuity cannot be achieved even over RRC connected states. Such scenario applies to training (and inference) data collection for UE-sided models, NW-sided models and two-sided models. The two-sided models refer to two compatible ML models, among which, one is deployed at the UE side and the other one is deployed at the NW side.

[0079] For example, to train AI / ML models for several use cases, i.e., to learn the hidden pattern in data (e.g., radio measurements, UE trajectory, etc.), there is a need to collect time-sequence data for a relatively considerable period of time without interruptions. However, when the RRC state of the UE changes from connected to idle / inactive, the context of the UE is lost at the gNB. When this UE comes back to RRC connected (connected even to the same gNB), the gNB has no way of identifying this is the same UE. This would result in scattered, incomplete and redundant collected data as well as the failure of event triggered data and report, which would further affect radio resource utilization and energy consumption while endangering the possibility of collecting useful data for training models.

[0080] On the one hand, longer time-sequences of data with the same characteristics cannot be collected and this may result in incomplete and redundant streams of time-sequences which are not suitable to train high performance models. This happens since a UE may stay in an RRC connected state for as short as a few seconds. For reliable and insightful data analysis by AI / ML, the observability period needs to be longer than the period that a typical UE stay in RRC Connected. As a result, such longer observability cannot be achieved, as the context for the UE is lost once it goes to inactive / idle.

[0081] On the other hand, management-based MDT configuration can indicate a condition for event triggered data collection and report from UEs (in a given area). However, during the short periods of time that a group of UEs remain in RRC connected state, such condition may not be met and UEs may never report results. Hence, it is important to establish continuity, where the group of UEs can be tracked over a longer period consisting multiple RRC transitions.

[0082] In view of the above, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gNB-centric solution targeting a group of UEs for data collection. It should be understood that, in addition to the managementbased MDT, embodiments of the present disclosure may also apply to other TDC methods and use cases e.g., beam management (BM), positioning, CSI enhancement, etc. The solution will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 2Ato 4E below.

[0083] Fig. 2A illustrates a signaling chart illustrating a first example process 200A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the process 200A will be describedwith reference to Fig. 1. The process 200A may involve the terminal device 110 and the network device 120. It would be appreciated that although the process 200A has been described in the communication environment 100 of Fig. 1 , this process may be likewise applied to other communication scenarios.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 2A, the network device 120 transmits (211), to the terminal device 110, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier 212. The at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively. The terminal device 110 receives (213) the at least one measurement configuration for data collection and the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration from the network device 120. The terminal device 110 performs (214) at least one RRC state change. The at least one identifier is stored during the at least one RRC state change. After switching to a RRC connected state, the terminal device 110 transmits (215) first information 216 associated with the at least one identifier to the network device 120. Accordingly, the network device 120 receives (217) the first information 216 from the terminal device 110. In other words, the terminal device may store identifiers of measurement configurations provided by the network device even in RRC inactive / idle states and inform the network device information of its available identifiers after switching to the connected state. In this way, even if the context of the terminal device is erased in the network device, the network device may be aware of the measurement configurations previously configured for the terminal device based on the configuration identifiers reported by the terminal device, making it possible to improve the data collection continuity in case of RRC state changes.

[0085] In some embodiments, the network device 120 may obtain at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task and determine the at least one measurement configuration or at least one measurement report configuration based on the at least one data collection configuration. The network device 120 may correlate the at least one identifier with the at least one measurement (report) configuration. For example, the network device 120 may perform a mapping among (i) MDT parameters sets received from the CAM, (ii) RRC configurations for immediate MDT and logged MDT configurations for logged MDT, and (iii) identifiers (referred to as, e.g., TDCJDs). Then, the network device 120 may create a TDCJD table to store the information about this mapping until the TDC job is finished / aborted. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a measurement configuration may be implemented as a measurement report configuration or include a measurement report configuration or may be included in a measurement report configuration.

[0086] In some embodiments, a first measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations for one or more data collection task among the at least one data collection task. For example, one measurement configuration may be created to include multiple data collection configurations including MDT configurations, beam measurement configurations, positioning configurations, sensing configurations, etc. In some embodiments, the one ormore data collection configurations may include at least one overlapping parameter. In this way, the measurement efficiency may be improved and the radio resource overhead for reporting measurement results may be reduced.

[0087] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with an immediate MDT. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a logged MDT. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a channel status information (CSI) report configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a beam measurement report configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a RRC measurement report configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a positioning measurement configuration.

[0088] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with an immediate MDT. The measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a logged MDT. The measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a CSI report configuration. The measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a beam measurement report configuration. The measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a RRC measurement report configuration. The measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a positioning measurement configuration.

[0089] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration and the at least one identifier may be received in a RRC connected state. For example, the network device 120 may transmit the measurement configuration(s) and the correlated identifier(s) via RRC configurations. Alternatively, the at least one measurement configuration and the at least one identifier may be received in a RRC idle / inactive state. For example, the network device 120 may transmit the measurement configuration(s) and the correlated identifier(s) in paging message or system information.

[0090] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one measurement configuration during the at least one RRC state change. For example, if the terminal device 110 receives the measurement configuration(s) and the correlated identifier(s) in a RRC connected state and switches to a RRC idle / inactive state, the terminal device 110 may delete or erase the received measurement configuration(s).

[0091] In some embodiments, the network device 120 may receive, from the terminal device 110, capability information related to support of the terminal device 110 on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity. The network device 120 maytransmit the at least measurement configuration to the terminal device 110 based on the capability information.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first information 216 may include the at least one identifier. In other words, the terminal device 110 may inform its available identifier to the network device 120.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first information 216 may include an indication of identifier availability for the data collection. In other words, the terminal device 110 may first indicate the network device 120 that it has available identifier of measurement configurations for data collection. In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may then transmit the at least one identifier to the network device 120. In an example, the terminal device 110 may report its available identifier to the network device 120 in response to a request from the network device 120. In another example, the terminal device 110 may report its available identifier to the network device 120 autonomously after a time period from reporting the indication of identifier availability for the data collection. In some embodiments, the first information 216 may include an indication of identifier availability for the data collection and the at least one identifier.

[0094] In some embodiments, the network device 120 may determine to stop the data collection from the terminal device 110 and transmit an indication of stopping the data collection to the terminal device 110. The terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier after receiving the indication of stopping the data collection from the network device 120. For example, if the network device 120 has collected enough data with measurement characteristics corresponding to the identifiers indicated by the terminal device 110, the network device 120 may decide to stop data collection from the terminal device 110, and the terminal device 110 may thus delete or erase the stored identifiers.

[0095] In some embodiments, the network device 120 may determine to stop data collection from the terminal device 110 for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier and transmit, to the terminal device 110, an indication of stopping data collection for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier. The terminal device 110 may release the one or more identifiers after receiving the indication of stopping the data collection for the one or more identifiers from the network device 120. For example, if the network device 120 has collected enough data with measurement characteristics corresponding to some of the identifiers indicated by the terminal device 110, the network device 120 may decide to stop data collection for these identifiers, and the terminal device 110 may thus delete or erase these identifiers. The remaining identifiers, if any, may be maintained.

[0096] In some embodiments, the network device 120 may determine to continue the data collection from the terminal device 110 and may transmit the at least one measurement configuration correlated with the at least one identifier to the terminal device 110. After receiving the at least one measurement configuration correlated with the at least one identifier, the terminal device 110 may continue performing measurements for the data collection based on the at least one measurement configuration.

[0097] In some embodiments, the network device 120 may determine to continue data collection from theterminal device 110 for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and may transmit one or more measurement configurations correlated with the one or more identifiers to the terminal device 110. The one or more measurement configurations may be included in the at least one measurement configuration. After receiving the one or more measurement configurations correlated with one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier, the terminal device 110 may continue performing measurements for the data collection based on the one or more measurement configurations.

[0098] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier in response to receiving an indication of stopping the data collection. Alternatively or additionally, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier in response to receiving an indication of stopping the data collection for the at least one identifier. Alternatively or additionally, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier in response to switching off. Alternatively or additionally, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier in response to deregistering. Alternatively or additionally, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier in response to detaching.

[0099] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may obtain a first measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier and may transmit the first measurement result to the network device 120 before the at least one RRC state change. The terminal device 110 may receive the first measurement configuration from the network device 120 after transmitting the first information 216. Then, the terminal device 110 may obtain a second measurement result associated with the second identifier based on the first measurement configuration; and may transmit the second measurement result to the network device 120.[OO1OO] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may receive a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier from the network device 120 before the at least one RRC state change. In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may receive the first measurement report configuration and the first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier from the network device 120 before the at least one RRC state change. The first measurement result may be transmitted based on the first measurement report configuration. In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may receive a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier from the network device 120 after transmitting the first information 216. In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may receive the first measurement report configuration and the first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier from the network device 120 after transmitting the first information 216. The second measurement result may be transmitted based on the first measurement report configuration. In other words, the first measurement report configuration may be deleted at the terminal device during the RRC state change.[OO1O1] In some embodiments, the network device 120 may obtain a first data collection result for a first data collection configuration among the one or more data collection configurations based on the firstmeasurement result. The network device 120 may obtain a second data collection result for the first data collection configuration based on the second measurement result. Then the network device 120 may obtain an aggregated data collection result for the first data collection configuration based on the first data collection result and the second data collection result and may transmit the aggregated data collection result to a network entity (e.g., the OAM or a core network entity, etc.). In this way, the measurement results reported by the terminal device after the RRC state change may be aggregated with the measurement results reported by the terminal device before the RRC state change. The continuity of the data collection may thus be improved even if the measurement configurations are deleted at the terminal device side due to the RRC state changes.

[0102] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may be a first terminal device (e.g., the first terminal device 110-1 in Fig. 1 ). The network device 120 may transmit the first measurement configuration and the first identifier to a second terminal device. The network device 120 may receive a third measurement result associated with the first identifier from the second terminal device 110 and obtain a third data collection result for the first data collection configuration based on the third measurement result. The aggregated data collection result is obtained based on the first data collection result, the second data collection result and the third data collection result. In this way, the measurement results reported by a group of terminal devices may be aggregated including the measurement results reported by a terminal device after the RRC state change as well as the measurement results reported by the terminal device before the RRC state change. The continuity of the data collection from a group of terminal devices may thus be improved while improving scalability and data security.

[0103] In some embodiments, the network device 120 may transmit the first measurement result, the second measurement result and the third measurement result to a network entity. The data aggregation may be performed by the network entity.

[0104] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may obtain a fourth measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier. The terminal device may receive, from the network device 120, at least one of the first measurement configuration or a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier after transmitting the first information 216, and may transmit the fourth measurement result to the network device 120 based on the first measurement report configuration. For example, the terminal device 110 may obtain measurement results when connected to the network device 120 and the measurements results are not reported to network device 120 before the at least one RRC state change. The terminal device 110 may report the measurement results to the network device 120 after switching back to a RRC connected state. In another example, the terminal device 110 may obtain measurement results when the terminal device 110 is in an idle / inactive state and may repot the measurement results to the network device 120 afterswitching to a RRC connected state.

[0105] In some embodiments, the network device 120 may uncorrelate the first identifier with the first measurement configuration and may release the first measurement configuration. For example, if the data collection task(s) associated with the first measurement configuration have been completed, then the network device 120 may delete the table item which correlates the first measurement configuration to the first identifier. The network device 120 may then correlate the first identifier to another measurement configuration, if needed. The first measurement configuration may also be deleted at the network device 120.

[0106] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may receive second information associated with an identifier of the network device 120 from the network device 120. The second information may be stored during the at least one RRC state change. The first information 216 may include the second information associated with the identifier of the network device 120. In an example, the second information associated with the identifier of the network device 120 may be indicative of a cell identifier of the network device 120. For example, the network device 120 may determine that the identifier stored at the terminal device 110 was transmit by it. Since the identifiers of the measurement configurations for data collection are not globally unique, the information of the identifier of the network device 120 may be used to as assistance information for identifying the corresponding measurement configurations.

[0107] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may receive second information associated with an identifier of the network device 120 from the network device 120. The second information is stored during the at least one RRC state change. If the terminal device 110 determines that it is connected to the network device 120 associated with the cell identifier, the terminal device 110 may transmit the first information 216 to the network device 120 and exclude the second information from transmission. In this way, the resource overhead may be reduced. If the network device does not receive the second information in the first information, the network device may be implicitly implied that the identifier stored at the terminal device was transmit by it.

[0108] With the process 200A, the data collection continuity may be maintained considering the occurrence of RRC state changes in the case that no handover occurs.

[0109] Fig. 2B illustrates a signaling chart illustrating a second example process 200B according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the process 200B will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The process 200B may involve the terminal device 110, the first network device 120- 1 and the second network device 120-2. It would be appreciated that although the process 200B has been described in the communication environment 100 of Fig. 1 , this process may be likewise applied to other communication scenarios.[OO11O] As shown in Fig. 2B, the first network device 120-1 obtains (221) at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task and determines (222) at least one measurementconfiguration for data collection based on the at least one data collection configuration. The first network device 120-1 transmits (223), to the terminal device 110, the at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier 224. The at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively. The terminal device 110 receives (225) the at least one measurement configuration for data collection and the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration from the first network device 120-1. The terminal device 110 performs (226) a handoverfrom the first network device 120-1 to the second network device 120-2. The at least one identifier is stored during the handover. The terminal device 110 transmits (227) first information 228 associated with the at least one identifier to the second network device 120-2. Accordingly, the second network device 120- 2 receives (229) the first information 228 from the terminal device 110.[OOlll] The second network device 120-2 determines (230) whether to continue the data collection from the terminal device 110. In some embodiments, the second network device 120-2 may transmit (231) instruction information 232 associated with the first information 228 to the terminal device 110 based on the determination 230. The terminal device 110 may receive (233) the instruction information 232 accordingly. In other words, the terminal device may store identifiers of measurement configurations provided by the first network device even in occurrence of a handover and inform the new serving network device information of its available identifiers after the handover. In this way, it is possible for the terminal device to continue the measurement that it was previously instructed to perform before the handover, thus improving the data collection continuity in case of handover.

[0112] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may receive second information associated with an identifier of the first network device 120-1 from the first network device 120-1 . The second information may be stored during the handover.

[0113] In some embodiments, a first measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations for one or more data collection tasks. The one or more data collection tasks are included in the at least one data collection task. In some embodiments, the one or more data collection configurations may include at least one overlapping parameter.

[0114] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with an immediate MDT. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a logged MDT. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a channel status information (CSI) report configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a beam measurement report configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a RRC measurement report configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a positioning measurement configuration.

[0115] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with an immediate MDT. The measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a logged MDT. The measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a CSI report configuration. The measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a beam measurement report configuration. The measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a RRC measurement report configuration. The measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration may be associated with a positioning measurement configuration.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first network device 120-1 may receive, from the terminal device 110, capability information related to support of the terminal device 110 on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity. The first network device 120-1 may transmit the at least measurement configuration to the terminal device 110 based on the capability information.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first information 228 may include the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device 120-1. Since the identifiers of the measurement configurations for data collection are not globally unique, the identifier information of the first network device 120-1 which provided the measurement configuration identifiers may be used to as assistance information for the second network device 120-2 to identify the corresponding measurement configurations.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first information 228 may include an indication of identifier availability for the data collection. In other words, the terminal device 110 may first indicate the second network device 120-2 that it has available identifier of measurement configurations for data collection. In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may then transmit the at least one identifier to the second network device 120-2. In an example, the terminal device 110 may report its available identifier to the second network device 120-2 in response to a request from the second network device 120-2. In another example, the terminal device 110 may report its available identifier to the second network device 120-2 autonomously after a time period from reporting the indication of identifier availability for the data collection. In some embodiments, the first information 228 may include an indication of identifier availability for the data collection, the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device 120- 1.

[0119] In some embodiments, the second network device 120-2 may determine to stop the data collection from the terminal device 110 and transmit an indication of stopping the data collection to the terminal device 110. The terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device 120-1 after receiving the indication of stopping the data collectionfrom the second network device 120-2. For example, if the second network device 120-2 does not have any knowledge on data collection tasks, the second network device 120-2 may indicate the terminal device 110 to stop data collection, and the terminal device 110 may thus delete or erase the stored identifiers.

[0120] In some embodiments, the second network device 120-2 may determine to stop data collection from the terminal device 110 for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier and transmit, to the terminal device 110, an indication of stopping data collection for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier. The terminal device 110 may release the one or more identifiers after receiving the indication of stopping the data collection for the one or more identifiers from the second network device 120-2. For example, if the second network device 120-2 finds that enough data with measurement characteristics corresponding to some of the identifiers indicated by the terminal device 110 has been collected, the second network device 120-2 may decide to stop data collection for these identifiers, and the terminal device 110 may thus delete or erase these identifiers. The remaining identifiers, if any, may be maintained.

[0121] In some embodiments, the second network device 120-2 may determine to continue the data collection from the terminal device 110 and may transmit the at least one measurement configuration correlated with the at least one identifier to the terminal device 110. After receiving the at least one measurement configuration correlated with the at least one identifier, the terminal device 110 may continue performing measurements for the data collection based on the at least one measurement configuration.

[0122] In some embodiments, the second network device 120-2 may determine to continue data collection from the terminal device 110 for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and may transmit one or more measurement configurations correlated with the one or more identifiers to the terminal device 110. The one or more measurement configurations may be included in the at least one measurement configuration. After receiving the one or more measurement configurations correlated with one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier, the terminal device 110 may continue performing measurements for the data collection based on the one or more measurement configurations.

[0123] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device 120-1 in response to receiving an indication of stopping the data collection. Alternatively or additionally, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device 120- 1 in response to receiving an indication of stopping the data collection for the at least one identifier. Alternatively or additionally, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device 120-1 in response to switching off.Alternatively or additionally, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device 120-1 in response to deregistering.Alternatively or additionally, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one identifier and secondinformation associated with an identifier of the first network device 120-1 in response to detaching.

[0124] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may release the at least one measurement configuration during the handover. For example, if the terminal device 110 receives the measurement configuration(s) and the correlated identifier(s) from the first network device 120-1 and hands over to the second network device 120-2, the terminal device 110 may delete or erase the received measurement configuration(s).

[0125] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may obtain a first measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier and may transmit the first measurement result to the first network device 120-1 before the handover. The terminal device 110 may receive the first measurement configuration from the second network device 120-2 after transmitting the first information 228. Then, the terminal device 110 may obtain a second measurement result associated with the second identifier based on the first measurement configuration; and may transmit the second measurement result to the second network device 120-2.

[0126] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may receive a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier from the first network device 120-1 before the handover. The first measurement result may be transmitted to the first network device 120-1 based on the first measurement report configuration. In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may receive a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier from the second network device 120-2 after transmitting the first information 216. The second measurement result may be transmitted to the second network device 120-2 based on the first measurement report configuration received from the second network device 120-2. In other words, the first measurement report configuration may be deleted at the terminal device during the handover.

[0127] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may obtain a fourth measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier. The terminal device may receive, from the second network device 120-2, at least one of the first measurement configuration or a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier after transmitting the first information 216, and may transmit the fourth measurement result to the second network device 120-2 based on the first measurement report configuration. For example, the terminal device 110 may obtain measurement results when connected to the first network device 120-1 and the measurements results are not reported to the first network device 120-1 before the at least one RRC state change. The terminal device 110 may repot the measurement results to the second network device 120-2 after the handover. In another example, the terminal device 110 may obtain measurement results when the terminal device 110 is in an idle / inactive state and may repot the measurement results to the second network device 120-2 after the handover.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first network device 120-1 may transmit, to at least one network device including the second network device 120-2, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device 120-1. In other words, the measurement configurations, the measurement configuration identifiers and the correlation between the measurement configurations and the measurement configuration identifiers may be shared among multiple network devices. Since the identifiers of the measurement configurations for data collection are not globally unique, the information of the identifier of the first network device 120-1 may be used to as assistance information for identifying the corresponding measurement configurations. In some embodiments, the first network device 120-1 may transmit at least one measurement report configuration to the at least one network device. The at least one measurement report configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively.

[0129] In some embodiments, if the terminal device 110 performs a handover from the first network device 120-1 to a second network device 120-2, the first network device 120-1 may transmit, to the second network device 120-2, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device 120-1 . In some embodiments, the first network device 120-1 may transmit at least one measurement report configuration to the second network device 120-2. The at least one measurement report configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively.

[0130] If the second network device 120-2 determine to continue the data collection for a first identifier among the at least one identifier from the terminal device 110, the second network device 120-2 may transmit the corresponding measurement configurations and measurement report configurations to the terminal device 110.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second network device 120-2 may transmit, to the terminal device 110, the first identifier and a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier. Then, the terminal device 110 may transmit a measurement result associated with the first identifier to the second network device 120-2. In some embodiments, the second network device 120-2 may transmit the measurement result to a network entity. Alternatively, the second network device 120-2 may receive at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task from the first network device 120-1. The first measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations among the at least one data collection configuration. The second network device 120-2 may obtain a first data collection result for a first data collection configuration among the one or more data collection configurations based on the measurement result and transmit the first data collection result to a network entity. In some embodiments, the one or more data collection configurations may include at least one overlapping parameter.

[0132] With the process 200B, the data collection continuity may be maintained considering theoccurrence of handover.

[0133] Fig. 2C illustrates a signaling chart illustrating a third example process 200C according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the process 200C will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The process 200A may involve the terminal device 110 and the network device 120. It would be appreciated that although the process 200C has been described in the communication environment 100 of Fig. 1 , this process may be likewise applied to other communication scenarios.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 2C, the network device 120 transmits (241) a capability request 242 to the terminal device 110. Accordingly, the terminal device 110 receives (243) the capability request 242 from the network device 120. The terminal device 110 transmits (244) capability information 245 to the network device 120. Accordingly, the network device 120 receives (246) the capability information 245 from the terminal device 110. The capability information 245 is related to support of the terminal device 110 on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity. In this way, the network device may be aware of the UE capability regarding data collection continuity, thus improving the performance and efficiency of data collection.

[0135] In some embodiments, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that the terminal device 110 supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations. Based on such capability information, the network device 120 may be aware of that the terminal device 110 supports all data collection continuity procedures, e.g., including the process 200A in Fig. 2A and the process 200B in Fig. 2B, e.g., receiving a measurement configuration for data collection and an identifier correlated with the measurement configuration indication, storing the configuration identifier until receiving an indication to delete the configuration identifier and transmitting information of the configuration identifier to a network device after RRC state changes or after a handover. Alternatively or additionally, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that the terminal device 110 supports data collection without mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations. Based on such capability information, the network device 120 may be aware of that the terminal device 110 supports related procedures in the process 200A in Fig. 2A. Alternatively or additionally, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that the terminal device 110 supports data collection with mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations. Based on such capability information, the network device 120 may be aware of that the terminal device 110 supports related procedures in the process 200B in Fig. 2B. Alternatively or additionally, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that a maximum number of identifiers of measurement configurations for data collection that the terminal device 110 can store. Based on such capability information, the network device 120 may obtain further information on the number of configuration identifiers that the terminal device 110 can store.

[0136] Alternatively or additionally, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that the terminal device 110 supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for an immediateMDT. Alternatively or additionally, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that the terminal device 110 supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for a logged MDT. Alternatively or additionally, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that an indication that the terminal device 110 supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for both an immediate MDT and a logged MDT. It should be understood that these options are not limited and can refer to the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for any sort of real time or non-real time reporting (i.e. logging), including different associations to data types (RRC layer data, Physical Layer data, MDT, CSI, etc.).

[0137] Alternatively or additionally, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that the terminal device 110 supports an immediate data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations. Alternatively or additionally, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that the terminal device 110 supports a logged data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations. Alternatively or additionally, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that the terminal device 110 supports an immediate data collection over RRC connected states based on identifiers of measurement configurations. Alternatively or additionally, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that the terminal device 110 supports a first logged data collection over at least one of RRC idle states and RRC inactive states based on identifiers of measurement configurations. Alternatively or additionally, the capability information 245 may be indicative of that the terminal device 110 supports a second logged data collection over at least one RRC state based on identifiers of measurement configurations. For example, the terminal device 110 may support a logged data collection over an in idle state and a connected state. In this way, the UE capability for data collection continuity procedures may be indicated per UE RRC state.

[0138] In some embodiments, the capability information 245 may be indicated in one bit. For example, the UE capability for the data collection continuity procedure may be generic and uses one bit to cover the support of various data collection continuity procedures. Alternatively, the capability information 245 may be indicated in a plurality of bits. For example, the UE capability for the data collection continuity procedure may be split to several components / bits, each bit may associate to a detailed sub-feature of the entire data collection continuity procedure.

[0139] In some embodiments, the network device 120 may transmit at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration to the terminal device 110 based on the capability information 245. The terminal device 110 may receive the at least one measurement configuration and the at least one identifier from the network device 120. The data collection continuity procedure may be performed accordingly in case of RRC state changes or a handover of the terminal device 110.

[0140] Example embodiments in the process 200A, 200B and 200C in Figs 2A-2C may be combined orindependently implemented. Hereinafter, for ease of illustration, an example implementation of data collection continuity procedure for MDT will be described in detail covering both immediate MDT and logged MDT for the cases with handover occurrences and without handover occurrences. It should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to other data collection methods (and not just MDT) and some other use cases such as beam management and positioning.

[0141] Fig. 3A illustrates an example diagram illustrating the relation among immediate MDT parameters sets, RRC configurations and configuration identifiers according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 3A, a table showing the relation among immediate MDT parameters sets, RRC configurations and TDCJDs is created and stored at the gNB.

[0142] The gNB receives different immediate MDT configurations (or different immediate MDT parameters sets) with overlapping parameters from the 0AM, e.g., for different TDC jobs / tasks. The gNB observes the overlap between parameters of the immediate MDT parameters set #1 and the immediate MDT parameters set #2. Hence, the gNB maps them to RRC configuration X. And the MDT parameters set #3 is mapped to RRC configuration Y for data collection.

[0143] In this case, instead of collecting M2 data with a periodicity of 5ms from one group of UEs and M2 data with a periodicity of 10ms from another set of UEs, the gNB can collect the former. Then, the gNB provides one report containing the more frequent samples for the immediate MDT parameters set #1 and down-samples M2 data and transmit the down-sampled M2 data in a separate report related to the immediate MDT parameters set #2. Therefore, redundant data collection and waste of resources is avoided.

[0144] As shown in the example in Fig. 3A, the gNB will also assign TDCJDs to each of the RRC configurations. These TDCJDs will be later used to track a group of UEs performing measurements with a specific configuration.

[0145] In some embodiments, a given TDCJD can be reused at the gNB. In other words, a TDCJD may refer to one set of immediate MDT parameters today but to another set tomorrow depending on the number and characteristics of TDC jobs handled at the gNB. The information of the TDCJD table item can be deleted when the corresponding TDC job is finished / aborted, e.g., if the TDC job is successfully done or interrupted due to a problem or deactivation from the 0AM.

[0146] The TDCJD jobs may be started and terminated independent of a specific trace job to enable better scalability. For instance, as shown in Fig. 3A, the immediate MDT parameters set #1 and the immediate MDT parameters set #2 have overlapping parameters from two traces, one TDCJD (i.e., TDCJD_X) is allocated for those parameters and the TDCJD keeps alive (and is not terminated and / or deleted) as long as at least one trace is active.

[0147] A UE is able to interpret the TDCJD and to follow a certain behavior upon reception of such ID.Although the MDT parameters sets #1, #2 and #3 in the example in Fig. 3A include immediate MDT parameters sets, they may include immediate MDT parameters sets, logged MDT parameters sets, and / or other parameter sets for various measurements.

[0148] Fig. 3B illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario of configuring a group of UEs for data collection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 3B, based on the created table with the introduced TDCJDs and available UEs (with known capabilities), the gNB selects and configures a group of UEs while TDCJDs are added to the RRC configurations for immediate MDT as shown in the example in Fig. 3B. For logged MDT, the TDCJDs should be added to the “logged MDT configuration” body. The gNB selects a group of UEs to perform TDC of each received MDT configuration. When configuring a group of UEs for a specific MDT configuration, its corresponding TDCJD is added to RRC configuration of that group of UEs.

[0149] Before indication of a TDCJD to a UE in the selected group of UEs, the gNB should make sure that the UE has the capability, i.e., support of TDCJD procedures. In one embodiment, the UE may indicate its support for TDCJD procedure, which consist of RRC signaling support to receive the TDCJD indication from the gNB, store the TDCJD and maintain its association with an RRC configuration and transmit the TDCJD indication from the UE to the gNB. In another embodiment, the the UE capability bit can define the UE support for the TDCJD procedure without mobility, i.e. in case of no handover. In this case, the UE is only obliged to store TDCJD and follow the procedure relevant for non-handover scenarios. In a further embodiment, the UE may indicate its support for TDCJD procedure in case of handover. In this case, UE is only obliged to store both TDCJD and 5G NR cell global identity (NR CGI) of the previous serving gNB and follow the procedure relevant for handover scenarios. In another embodiment, the UE may indicate its support for both handover and non-handover cases with a single bit.

[0150] In some embodiments, the UE may provide further information on the number of TDCJDs that it can store. In an example, if a UE can store more than one TDCJD, the gNB may configure the UE with one TDCJD for immediate MDT data collection and another one for logged MDT data collection. In some embodiments, the UE capability for data collection continuity procedure can differentiate TDCJD procedure support per UE RRC state. In some embodiments, the UE capability for data collection continuity procedure can be generic, covering all of the above, or split to several components / bits, whereas each bit can associate to detailed sub-feature of the entire TDCJD procedure.

[0151] Fig. 4A illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a flow 400A of management based MDT for training data collection enhanced with introduction of TDCJD according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The flow 400A may be a specific example of the process 200C of Fig. 2C. The flow 400A involves a gNB1 403 and a UE1 404. In some embodiments, the flow 400A may further involve at least one of the management system 401 , the AMF 402, UE2 405, UE3 406 and a trace collection entity (TCE) 407.

[0152] In the flow 400A, at steps 411 , 412 and 413, whenever the gNB1 403 receives the Management based MDT allowed IE in Initial Context Setup Request or in Handover Request message, it sit for possible later usage. The management system 401 sends a Trace Session activation request to the gNB1 403. This request includes the parameters for configuring UE measurements, e.g., List of measurements, reporting trigger, reporting interval, etc.

[0153] Steps 414-419 are followed so that the g N B 1 403 becomes aware of UE capabilities including the currently specified ones, e.g., on whether the UE supports logged MDT. An enhancement to the UE capabilities is proposed, where it is also reported if the UE supports TDCJD procedures (e.g., for the purpose of TDC via MDT).

[0154] At step 420, the UE capability including information on its support of TDCJD procedure is stored at the gNB1 403. This information will later be used for UE selection of Step 422 and potentially for TDCJD table creation of Step 421.

[0155] At step 421 , the gNB1 403 performs an efficient mapping among i) MDT parameters sets received from the 0AM, ii) RRC configurations for immediate MDT and logged MDT configurations for logged MDT, and iii) TDCJDs. Then, the gNB 1 403 creates a TDCJD table to store the information about this mapping until the TDC job is finished / aborted. The creation of the TDCJD table is elaborated below. (Note: According to the current standards, it is up to the gNB implementation to collect management-based MDT data as requested by 0AM from any group of UEs. In other words, gNB 1 403 is in charge to configure UEs efficiently, e.g., to account for overlapping MDT parameters.)

[0156] At step 422, the gNB1 403 selects a group of UEs for each RRC ( / logged MDT) configuration considering the TDCJD table and UE capabilities including their support for TDCJD procedure. This step exists in legacy MDT. In some embodiments, it is up to the gNB implementation to collect MDT data as configured by 0AM from any group of UEs. In other words, gNB1 403 is in charge to resolve conflicts with RRC configurations, e.g., by a proper selection of UEs.

[0157] For TDC jobs, as a proposed example for resolving conflict, the gNB1 403 may assign a TDCJD to the UEs that support group of UE capabilities that enable BM measurements, another TDCJD can be assigned to the UEs that support detailed location information. While selecting UEs to perform measurements a UE may be selected to perform measurements related to more than one RRC configurations ( / logged MDT configurations) from the table. Hence, it receives more than one TDCJD. In the following, it is assumed that the UE has received only one TDCJD for simplicity unless otherwise stated.

[0158] At step 423, the gNB 1 403 adds the TDCJ D(s) to RRC ( / logged MDT) configuration for immediate MDT ( / logged MDT). All of the UEs configured with at least RRC configuration X, receive the same TDCJD. Hence, the identifier is specific to a group of UEs and not just one UE.

[0159] At step 424 and step 425, the selected UEs are configured with RRC configuration (for immediate MDT) or logged MDT configuration (for logged MDT) including at least one TDCJD. Upon reception of a TDCJD in an RRC or logged MDT configuration, a UE should store the TDCJD even during RRC state changes.

[0160] Deletion criteria for TDCJDs at the UE may include reception of “End_of_TDC = 1 for a given TDCJD” from its serving gNB1 403 e.g., at step 433 in Fig. 4B. Deletion criteria for TDCJDs at the UE may include the UE switching off or deregistering or detaching.

[0161] At step 426 and step 427, both immediate and logged MDT data are transferred to the gNB1 403 during RRC connected. It should be note that report of logged MDT data has a different procedure which is abstracted here for simplicity. For instance, the UE should indicate availability of logged MDT data to the gNB1 403.

[0162] Fig. 4B illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a flow 400B of management based MDT for training data collection enhanced with introduction of TDCJD without handover occurrence according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The flow 400B may be a specific example of the process 200A of Fig. 2A. The same reference numerals are used to denote the elements or components described in Fig. 4B having the same operations as the elements or components described in Fig. 4A, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0163] At step 428, UE1 404 enters RRC idle / inactive. Hence, its context is erased at the gNB1 403, i.e., when UE1 404 comes back to connected mode in the future, the gNB1 403 cannot understand it is the same UE that was configured to collect data according to, e.g., RRC configuration X. In management-based MDT, at least one gNB receives at least one MDT configuration from 0AM. Then, the gNB1 403 selects the appropriate UEs for MDT data collection and configures them over RRC to perform the required measurements. Hence, UE context loss during RRC state change may hold.

[0164] At step 429, UE1 404 with a TDCJD stores and keeps the TDCJD along with the NR CGI of the gNB1 403 that configures the UE with a TDCJD during RRC state transitions. The deletion criteria are stated with reference to step 424 and step 425 of Fig. 4A.

[0165] At step 430, UE1 404 goes back to RRC connected. At step 431 , upon coming back to RRC connected, UE1 404 should inform its serving gNB1 403 about availability of a TDCJD (in this example, TDCJD_X) by indication of the TDCJD(s).

[0166] Since the UE1 404 is still connected to the same cell (no handover occurrence) based on the NR CGI at the UE, only indication of TDCJD can be sufficient. By receiving the TDCJD, the gNB1 403 knows that the UE1 404 supports TDCJD procedure and request of UE capabilities is not required in this regard anymore.

[0167] In one embodiment, the UE1 404 can optionally first indicate availability of the TDCJD. Then, UE1 404 should transmit the TDCJD. In this case, if the gNB1 403 does not give a End_of_TDC = 1 as explained later in Step 433, the UE1 404 shall send the TDCJD to the gNB1 403 mandatorily.

[0168] At step 432, after reception of a TDCJD from a UE1 404, the gNB1 403 decides to continue or stop data collection from that UE. This decision can be done, e.g., based on the following conditions.

[0169] For example, if during the time UE1 404 has been in idle / inactive mode, the gNB1 403 has collected enough data with measurement characteristics corresponding to TDCJD_X indicated by UE1 404, the g N B 1 403 can decide to stop data collection from UE1 404. In another example, if the gNB1 403 is already receiving many streams of data from other UEs of the group, it may decide to stop data collection from this UE1 404.

[0170] In another example, if the data so far collected is incomplete / short, the gNB1 403 decides to continue data collection from this UE (UE1 404). Note that with MDT, data is accompanied with time stamps and aggregation is possible later.

[0171] In case the UE1 404 has reported more than one TDCJD, the gNB1 403 may decide to stop data collection of one while continuing with data collection corresponding to the other one.

[0172] At step 433, in case of stopping decision from step 432, the gNB 1 403 indicates “End_of_TDC = 1 for a given TDCJD” to UE1 404. Hence, the UE1 404 deletes that TDCJD.

[0173] At step 434, in case of continuing decision from step 432, MDT activation is done via RRC ( / logged MDT) configuration according to the TDCJD communicated from UE based on the table saved in step 421 .

[0174] At step 435, MDT reporting continues based on the original configuration that the UE had before it changes state to RRC idle / inactive. Therefore, data collection continuity is established.

[0175] At step 436, the gNB1 403 performs data aggregation to put the acquired measurement in proper reporting format as originally requested by 0AM through the MDT parameters sets. As an instance based on Fig. 3A, the gNB 1 403 provides one report containing M1 and the more frequent M2 samples. It creates another report with down-sampled M2 data, M3 and M5 measurements. All reports are sent to the TCE 407 indicated by the MDT trace configuration. Performing such data aggregation may happen at other entities as well, i.e., this aggregation can be optional for the gNB1 403.

[0176] At step 437, MDT Record Reporting to the TCE is performed by the gNB1 403.

[0177] At step 438, when a TDC data collection is finished successfully, i.e., the data is sent to the TCE 407 and the relevant configuration and corresponding information is not required in the gNB1 403. The gNB1 403 can delete the content, e.g., the content in the row of TDCJD_X and if needed reassign TDCJD_X to another new configuration to perform another TDC job.

[0178] Figs. 4C and 4D illustrate schematic diagrams illustrating flows 400C and 400D of management based MDT for training data collection enhanced with introduction of TDCJD with handover occurrence according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The flows 400C and 400D may be specific examples of the process 200B of Fig. 2B. The flows 400C and 400D may further involve a gNB2 408. The same reference numerals are used to denote the elements or components described in Figs. 4C and 4D having the same operations as the elements or components described in Figs. 4A and 4B, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0179] At step 440 and step 441 , with the handover occurrence, the TDCJD related information is transferred from the UE1 404 to the gNB2 408, e.g., in RRCSetupRequest. the UE1 404 knows the NR CGI of the serving cell that configured it for TDC. Since the UE1 404 already stores the NR CGI of the cell that configured it with a TDCJ D, it can recognize the change and knows that a handover has happened. Hence, at step 441 , the UE1 404 indicates both TDCJD(s) and the NR CGI of the gNB1 403 that configured it with the TDCJ D(s). As illustrated in Fig. 4B, sending only the TDCJD may be sufficient for the no handover case.

[0180] Here, indication of NR CGI is essential to the new serving gNB, i.e., gNB2 408. The reason is that by knowing the NR CGI, gNB2 408 can recognize if it can comprehend the TDCJD and potentially continue the data collection while maintaining continuity, i.e., using the original configuration.

[0181] In one embodiment, this indication can be added to RRCSetupRequest which is transferred from the UE1 404 to new serving gNB1 403 after Random Access procedure. A new cause value can be added to this message, e.g., in Establishmentcause, stating that this UE is involved in a training data collection task, e.g., for AI / ML purposes. Along with this indication the TDCJD and NR CGI should be included in RRCSetupRequest.

[0182] In one embodiment, the UE1 404 can optionally first indicate availability of the TDCJD. For instance, if gNB2 408 is not involved in any data collection process, it can then right away give an End_of_TDC = 1 to the UE1 404. Hence, the UE does not need send the TDCJD and the NR CGI of the previous serving cell to gNB2 408.

[0183] In another embodiment, in case of handover, the TDCJD and the respective configuration can be transmitted from gNB1 403 (the previous serving cell) to gNB2 408 (the new serving cell of the UE) in HandoverRequest message, which is later shown in Fig. 4E

[0184] From step 441 onwards, two major cases may occur which are explained in Figs 4C and 4D, respectively.

[0185] As shown in Fig. 4C, at 442, the new serving node, gNB2 408, knows at least the TDCJD and its corresponding RRC ( / logged MDT) configurations. Such information might exist in gNB2408, e.g., because it was transferred over Xn and a group of cells are using the same TDCJDs and mappings to RRC ( / loggedMDT) configurations. Steps 443, 444, 445 may be performed similar with steps 432, 434-438 and 433 in Fig. 4B, respectively.

[0186] As shown in Fig. 4C, at 446, gNB2 408 does not have any information about the TDCJD. The NR CGI of gNB 1 is also indicated to gNB2 408. Hence, in case of reuse of the same TDCJDs by change at both gNB1 403 and gNB2 408, gNB2 408 can recognize that this TDCJD mapping is not the one it has in its TDCJD table. If the mapping of TDCJD to RRC ( / logged MDT) configurations forTDC is not known, gNB2 408 sends “End_of_TDC = 1 indication for all TDCJDs of the reported NR CGI”. Hence, those TDC jobs are terminated. Afterwards, the UE1 404 can delete the NR CGI and corresponding TDCJD(s).

[0187] Fig. 4E illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a flow 400E of management based MDT for training data collection enhanced with introduction of TDCJD with handover occurrence according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The flow 400E may be a specific example of the process 200B of Fig. 2B. The same reference numerals are used to denote the elements or components described in Fig. 4E having the same operations as the elements or components described in Figs. 4A-4D, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. As shown in Fig. 4E, the TDCJD related information is transferred from the previous serving gNB1 403 (gNB1 403) to the new serving cell (gNB2 408) in HandoverRequest.

[0188] It should be understood that although Figs. 3A-4E are elaborated for MDT-based TDC, the TDCJD procedures (UE capability exchange, TDC table creation, TDCJD storage and indications, etc.) can be done between a UE and any network entity that is responsible for configuring UE(s) for TDC. In case of beam measurement (BM), application of the proposed solution to BM is straightforward as that network entity is the gNB. In positioning, the network entity that is responsible for configuring UE(s) could be the location management function (LMF).

[0189] Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a gNB-centric and targets data collection continuity over a group of UEs instead of one UE which allows for scalability and security requirements.

[0190] With some embodiments of the present disclosure, a table with TDCJD identifiers (the TDCJD table) is introd uced / created at the gNB. A gNB receives various MDT parameters / configurations for different TDC jobs from 0AM. Based on its internal logic, the gNB creates a set of configurations and their corresponding TDCJDs, where each TDCJD refers to a received set of MDT parameters and optionally network-sided conditions, e.g., radio resource quality and cell load. The gNB should store the corresponding information from the previous step / bullet-point (and keep them unchanged) to use for TDC from a selected group of UEs until the TDCjob is finished, i.e., MDT deactivation signal is received from 0AM or a deactivation condition from 0AM is met.

[0191] With some embodiments of the present disclosure, the gNB selects a group of UEs to perform TDC of each received MDT configuration. When configuring a group of UEs for a specific MDT configuration, its corresponding TDCJD is added to RRC configuration of that group of UEs.

[0192] With some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE capability report is enhanced. Before indication of a TDCJD to a UE in the selected group of UEs, the gNB should make sure that the UE has the capability, i.e., support of TDCJD procedure.

[0193] Two main UE behaviors are proposed. In the first UE behavior, the UE shall log ( / store) the received TDCJD along with the NR CGI of the serving gNB, which identifies uniquely the NR cell in the network, configuring it with a TDCJD. These IDs should be kept (stored) in case of RRC state changes. The deletion conditions for the TDCJD comprise receiving an end of Training Data Collection flag (e.g., “End_of_TDC = 1 for a given TDCJD”) or UE switch off or deregister or detach. It should be note that the NR CGI of a serving cell can be reported by the UE as part of the report CGI procedure. In the second UE behavior, if the UE comes back to RRC connected, it shall indicate availability of such TDCJD by indicating the TDCJD and NR CGI to the serving gNB (the same one as before or a new one).

[0194] The gNB behavior after reception of a TDCJD from a UE are designed. Assuming no handover occurrence, the gNB may decide to continue the TDC job associated with the indicated TDCJD from this UE or stop it, when UE changes RRC state (depending on the data already collected and other conditions like radio link quality). If decided to continue, the gNB configures the UE with MDT parameters associated to the TDCJD. In case of stop decision, “End_of_TDC = 1 for a given TDCJD” is sent to the UE. In case of handover, if the TDCJD is known to the new serving gNB, the same procedure applies. If the TDCJD is not known, “End_of_TDC = 1 for TDCJD(s) of the previous NR CGI” is sent to the UE.

[0195] Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method 500 implemented at a terminal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 500 will be described from the perspective of the terminal device 110 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0196] As shown in Fig. 5, at block 510, the terminal device 110 receives, from a network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively. At block 520, the terminal device 110 performs at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during at least one RRC state change. At block 530, the terminal device 110 transmits, to the network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier after switching to a RRC connected state.

[0197] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration and the at least one identifier are received in a RRC connected state. In some embodiments, the terminal device may release the at least one measurement configuration during the at least one RRC state change.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first information may include the at least one identifier.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first information may include an indication of identifier availability for thedata collection. In some embodiments, the terminal device may transmit, to the network device, the at least one identifier. In some embodiments, the first information further may include the at least one identifier.

[0200] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the network device, an indication of stopping the data collection; and release the at least one identifier.

[0201] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the network device, an indication of stopping data collection for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and release the one or more identifiers.

[0202] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the network device, the at least one measurement configuration correlated with the at least one identifier; and continue performing measurements for the data collection based on the at least one measurement configuration.

[0203] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the network device, one or more measurement configurations correlated with one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and continue performing measurements for the data collection based on the one or more measurement configurations.

[0204] In some embodiments, the terminal device may transmit, to the network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

[0205] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one of the following: an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0206] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a CSI report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0207] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations.

[0208] In some embodiments, the terminal device may release the at least one identifier in the case of one of the following: receiving an indication of stopping the data collection; receiving an indication of stopping the data collection for the at least one identifier; switching off; deregistering; or detaching.

[0209] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the network device, second information associated with an identifier of the network device, wherein the second information is storedduring the at least one RRC state change; and wherein the first information may include the second information associated with the identifier of the network device.

[0210] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the network device, second information associated with an identifier of the network device, wherein the second information is stored during the at least one RRC state change; and in response to determining that the network device is associated with the cell identifier, transmit, to the network device, the first information and exclude the second information from transmission.

[0211] In some embodiments, the terminal device may obtain a first measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier; transmit, to the network device, the first measurement result before the at least one RRC state change; receive, from the network device, the first measurement configuration after transmitting the first information; obtain a second measurement result associated with the second identifier based on the first measurement configuration; and transmit, to the network device, the second measurement result.

[0212] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the network device, a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier before the at least one RRC state change, wherein the first measurement result is transmitted based on the first measurement report configuration; and receive, from the network device, the first measurement report configuration after transmitting the first information, wherein the second measurement result is transmitted based on the first measurement report configuration.

[0213] In some embodiments, the terminal device may obtain a fourth measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier; receive, from the network device, at least one of the first measurement configuration or a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier after transmitting the first information; and transmit, to the network device, the fourth measurement result based on the first measurement report configuration.

[0214] Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method 600 implemented at a network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 600 will be described from the perspective of the network device 120 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0215] As shown in Fig. 6, at block 610, the network device 120 transmits, to a terminal device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively. At block 620, the network device 120 connects with the terminal device after at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change of the terminal device. At block 630, the network device 120 receives, from the terminal device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0216] In some embodiments, the network device may obtain at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task; determine the at least one measurement configuration based on the at least one data collection configuration; and correlate the at least one identifier with the at least one measurement configuration.

[0217] In some embodiments, a first measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations for one or more data collection task, wherein the one or more data collection tasks are comprised in the at least one data collection task. In some embodiments, the one or more data collection configurations comprise at least one overlapping parameter.

[0218] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0219] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a CSI report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0220] In some embodiments, the network device may receive, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; wherein the at least measurement configuration is transmitted to the terminal device based on the capability information.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first information may include the at least one identifier.

[0222] In some embodiments, the first information may include an indication of identifier availability for the data collection. In some embodiments, the network device may receive, from the terminal device, the at least one identifier. In some embodiments, the first information further may include the at least one identifier.

[0223] In some embodiments, the network device may determine to stop the data collection from the terminal device; and transmit, to the terminal device, an indication of stopping the data collection.

[0224] In some embodiments, the network device may determine to stop data collection from the terminal device for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and transmit, to the terminal device, an indication of stopping data collection for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier.

[0225] In some embodiments, the network device may determine to continue the data collection from the terminal device; and transmit, to the terminal device, the at least one measurement configuration correlated with the at least one identifier.

[0226] In some embodiments, the network device may determine to continue data collection from the terminal device for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and transmit, to the terminal device, one or more measurement configurations correlated with the one or more identifiers, wherein the one or more measurement configurations are comprised in the at least one measurement configuration.

[0227] In some embodiments, the network device may transmit, to the terminal device, second information associated with an identifier of the network device. In some embodiments, the first information may include the second information.

[0228] In some embodiments, the network device may receive, from the terminal device, a first measurement result associated with a first identifier correlated with the first measurement configuration before the at least one RRC state change of the terminal device; transmit, to the terminal device, the first measurement configuration based on the first information associated with the at least one identifier; and receive, from the terminal device, a second measurement result associated with the first identifier.

[0229] In some embodiments, the network device may transmit, to the terminal device, a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier before the at least one RRC state change of the terminal device; and transmit, to the terminal device, the first measurement report configuration based on the first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0230] In some embodiments, the network device may obtain a first data collection result for a first data collection configuration among the one or more data collection configurations based on the first measurement result; obtain a second data collection result for the first data collection configuration based on the second measurement result; obtain an aggregated data collection result for the first data collection configuration based on the first data collection result and the second data collection result; and transmit, to a network entity, the aggregated data collection result.

[0231] In some embodiments, the terminal device is a first terminal device, and wherein the network device may transmit, to a second terminal device, the first measurement configuration and the first identifier; receive, from the second terminal device, a third measurement result associated with the first identifier; and obtain a third data collection result for the first data collection configuration based on the third measurement result; wherein the aggregated data collection result is obtained based on the first data collection result, the second data collection result and the third data collection result.

[0232] In some embodiments, the network device may transmit, to a second terminal device, the first measurement configuration and the first identifier; receive, from the second terminal device, a third measurement result associated with the first identifier; and transmit, to a network entity, the first measurement result, the second measurement result and the third measurement result.

[0233] In some embodiments, the network device may uncorrelate the first identifier with the firstmeasurement configuration; and release the first measurement configuration.

[0234] Fig. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method 700 implemented at a terminal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 700 will be described from the perspective of the terminal device 110 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0235] As shown in Fig. 7, at block 710, the terminal device 110 receives, from a first network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively. At block 720, the terminal device 110 performs a handover from the first network device to a second network device, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during the handover. At block 730, the terminal device 110 transmits, to the second network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0236] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the first network device, second information associated with an identifier of the first network device; and store the second information during the handover.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first information may include the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first information may include an indication of identifier availability for the data collection. In some embodiments, the terminal device may transmit, to the second network device, the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device. In some embodiments, the first information further may include the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0239] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the second network device, an indication of stopping the data collection; and release the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0240] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the second network device, an indication of stopping data collection for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and release the one or more identifiers.

[0241] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the second network device, the at least one measurement configuration correlated with the at least one identifier; and continue performing measurements for the data collection based on the at least one measurement configuration received from the second network device.

[0242] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the second network device, one or more measurement configurations correlated with one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and continue performing measurements for the data collection based on the one or more measurementconfigurations.

[0243] In some embodiments, the terminal device may transmit, to the first network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations.

[0244] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one of the following: an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0245] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a CSI report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0246] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations.

[0247] In some embodiments, the terminal device may release the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device in the case of one of the following: receiving an indication of stopping the data collection; receiving an indication of stopping the data collection for the at least one identifier; switching off; deregistering; or detaching.

[0248] In some embodiments, the terminal device may release the at least one measurement configuration during the handover.

[0249] In some embodiments, the terminal device may obtain a first measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier; transmit, to the first network device, the first measurement result; receive, from the second network device, the first measurement configuration; obtain a second measurement result associated with the second identifier based on the first measurement configuration; and transmit, to the second network device, the second measurement result.

[0250] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the first network device, a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier, wherein the first measurement result is transmitted based on the first measurement report configuration; and receive, from the second network device, the first measurement report configuration, wherein the second measurement result is transmitted based on the first measurement report configuration.

[0251] In some embodiments, the terminal device may obtain a fourth measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated withthe first identifier ; receive, from the second network device, at least one of the first measurement configuration or a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier after transmitting the first information; and transmit, to the second network device, the fourth measurement result.

[0252] Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method 800 implemented at a first network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 800 will be described from the perspective of the first network device 120-1 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0253] As shown in Fig. 8, at block 810, the first network device 120-1 obtains at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task. At block 820, the first network device 120-1 determines at least one measurement configuration for data collection based on the at least one data collection configuration. At block 830, the first network device 120-1 transmits, to a terminal device, the at least one measurement configuration and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first network device may transmit, to the terminal device, second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0255] In some embodiments, a first measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations for one or more data collection tasks, wherein the one or more data collection tasks are comprised in the at least one data collection task. In some embodiments, the one or more data collection configurations comprise at least one overlapping parameter.

[0256] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0257] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a CSI report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first network device may receive, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; wherein the at least measurement configuration is transmitted to the terminal device based on the capability information.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first network device may transmit, to the terminal device, at least one measurement report configuration, wherein the at least one measurement report configuration is correlatedwith the at least one identifier, respectively.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first network device may transmit, to at least one network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first network device may transmit, to the at least one network device, at least one measurement report configuration, wherein the at least one measurement report configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively.

[0262] In some embodiments, in the case that the terminal device performs a handover from the first network device to a second network device, the first network device may transmit, to the second network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first network device may transmit, to the second network device, at least one measurement report configuration, wherein the at least one measurement report configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively.

[0264] Fig. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method 900 implemented at a second network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 900 will be described from the perspective of the second network device 120-2 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0265] As shown in Fig. 9, at block 910, the second network device 120-2 receives, from a terminal device, first information associated with at least one identifier stored by the terminal device, wherein the at least one identifier is associated with measurement configurations for data collection. At block 920, the second network device 120-2 determines whether to continue the data collection from the terminal device. At block 930, the second network device 120-2 transmits, to the terminal device, instruction information associated with the first information based on the determination.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first information may include the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of a first network device.

[0267] In some embodiments, the first information may include an indication of identifier availability for the data collection. In some embodiments, the second network device may receive, from the terminal device, the at least one identifier the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of a first network device. In some embodiments, the first information further may include the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0268] In some embodiments, the second network device may determine to stop the data collection from the terminal device; and wherein the instruction information may include an indication of stopping the data collection.

[0269] In some embodiments, the second network device may determine to stop data collection from the terminal device for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and wherein the instruction information may include an indication of stopping data collection for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier.

[0270] In some embodiments, the second network device may determine to continue the data collection from the terminal device; wherein the instruction information may include at least one measurement configuration for the data collection, wherein the at least one measurement configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively.

[0271] In some embodiments, the second network device may determine to continue data collection from the terminal device for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and transmit, to the terminal device, one or more measurement configurations correlated with the one or more identifiers, wherein the one or more measurement configurations are comprised in the at least one measurement configuration.

[0272] In some embodiments, the second network device may receive, from the first network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and the second information associated with the identifier of the first network device.

[0273] In some embodiments, the second network device may receive, from the first network device, at least one measurement report configuration, wherein the at least one measurement report configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively; and transmit, to the terminal device, the at least one measurement report configuration.

[0274] In some embodiments, the second network device may receive, from the first network device, at least one measurement report configuration, wherein the at least one measurement report configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively; and transmit, to the terminal device, one or more measurement report configurations correlated with the one or more identifiers, wherein the one or more measurement report configurations are comprised in the at least one measurement report configuration.

[0275] In some embodiments, the second network device may transmit, to the terminal device, a first identifier among the at least one identifier and a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier; and receive, from the terminal device, a measurement result associated with the first identifier.

[0276] In some embodiments, the second network device may transmit, to a network entity, the measurement result.

[0277] In some embodiments, the second network device may receive, from the first network device, at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task, wherein the first measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations among the at least one datacollection configuration; obtain a first data collection result for a first data collection configuration among the one or more data collection configurations based on the measurement result; and transmit, to a network entity, the first data collection result. In some embodiments, the one or more data collection configurations comprise at least one overlapping parameter.

[0278] Fig. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method 1000 implemented at a terminal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 1000 will be described from the perspective of the terminal device 110 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0279] As shown in Fig. 10, at block 1010, the terminal device 110 receives, from a network device, a capability request. At block 1020, the terminal device 110 transmits, to the network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

[0280] In some embodiments, the capability information is indicative of at least one of the following: the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports data collection without mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports data collection with mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; a maximum number of identifiers of measurement configurations for data collection that the terminal device can store; or the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for a logged MDT; an indication that the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for both an immediate MDT and a logged MDT; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a logged data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection over RRC connected states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a first logged data collection over at least one of RRC idle states and RRC inactive states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; or the terminal device supports a second logged data collection over at least one RRC state based on identifiers of measurement configurations.

[0281] In some embodiments, the capability information is indicated in one bit. In some embodiments, the capability information is indicated in a plurality of bits.

[0282] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the network device, a measurement configuration for data collection and an identifier correlated with the measurement configuration; store the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration during at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change; and transmit, to the network device, the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration after switching to a RRC connected state.

[0283] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the network device, the measurement configuration.

[0284] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the network device, an indication of stopping the data collection; and release the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration.

[0285] In some embodiments, the network device is a first network device, and the terminal device may receive, from the network device, a measurement configuration for data collection, an identifier correlated with the measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device; store the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration and the identifier of the first network device during a handover from the first network device to a second network device; and transmit, to the second network device, the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration and the second information associated with the identifier of the first network device.

[0286] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the second network device, the measurement configuration.

[0287] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive, from the second network device, an indication of stopping the data collection; and release the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration.

[0288] In some embodiments, the measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0289] In some embodiments, the CSI report configuration may include a logged CSI report configuration.

[0290] In some embodiments, the measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations.

[0291] Fig. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating a method 1100 implemented at a network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 1100 will be described from the perspective of the network device 120 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0292] As shown in Fig. 11 , at block 1110, the network device 120 transmits, to a terminal device, a capability request. At block 1120, the network device 120 receives, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

[0293] In some embodiments, the capability information is indicative of at least one of the following: the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminaldevice supports data collection without mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports data collection with mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; a maximum number of identifiers of measurement configurations for data collection that the terminal device can store; the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for a logged MDT; an indication that the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for both an immediate MDT and a logged MDT; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a logged data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection over RRC connected states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a first logged data collection over at least one of RRC idle states and RRC inactive states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; or the terminal device supports a second logged data collection over at least one RRC state based on identifiers of measurement configurations.

[0294] In some embodiments, the capability information is indicated in one bit. In some embodiments, the capability information is indicated in a plurality of bits.

[0295] In some embodiments, the network device may transmit, to the terminal device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier based on the capability information, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively.

[0296] In some embodiments, the network device may obtain at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task; determine at least one measurement configuration based on the at least one data collection configuration; and correlate the at least one identifier with the at least one measurement configuration.

[0297] In some embodiments, a first measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations for one or more data collection tasks among the at least one data collection task.

[0298] In some embodiments, the network device may receive, from the terminal device, the at least one identifier correlated with the measurement configuration; and transmit, to the terminal device, the measurement configuration.

[0299] In some embodiments, the network device may transmit, to at least one network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the network device.

[0300] In some embodiments, the network device is a first network device. In the case that the terminaldevice performs a handover from the first network device to a second network device, the network device may transmit, to the second network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0301] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0302] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a CSI report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0303] In some embodiments, the CSI report configuration may include a logged CSI report configuration.

[0304] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations.

[0305] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 500 (for example, the terminal device 110) may comprise means for performing the respective steps of the method 500. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module.

[0306] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: means for receiving, from a network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; means for performing at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during at least one RRC state change; and means for transmitting, to the network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier after switching to a RRC connected state.

[0307] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration and the at least one identifier are received in a RRC connected state.

[0308] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for releasing the at least one measurement configuration during the at least one RRC state change.

[0309] In some embodiments, the first information may include the at least one identifier.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first information may include an indication of identifier availability for the data collection. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to thenetwork device, the at least one identifier. In some embodiments, the first information further may include the at least one identifier.

[0311] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network device, an indication of stopping the data collection; and means for releasing the at least one identifier.

[0312] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network device, an indication of stopping data collection for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and means for releasing the one or more identifiers.

[0313] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network device, the at least one measurement configuration correlated with the at least one identifier; and means for continuing performing measurements for the data collection based on the at least one measurement configuration.

[0314] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network device, one or more measurement configurations correlated with one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and means for continuing performing measurements for the data collection based on the one or more measurement configurations.

[0315] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to the network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations.

[0316] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one of the following: an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0317] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a CSI report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0318] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations.

[0319] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for releasing the at least one identifier in the case of one of the following: receiving an indication of stopping the data collection; receiving an indication of stopping the data collection for the at least one identifier; switching off; deregistering; or detaching.

[0320] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network device, second information associated with an identifier of the network device, wherein the second information is stored during the at least one RRC state change; and wherein the first information may include the second information associated with the identifier of the network device.

[0321] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network device, second information associated with an identifier of the network device, wherein the second information is stored during the at least one RRC state change; and the apparatus may further include means for in response to determining that the network device is associated with the cell identifier, transmitting, to the network device, the first information and excluding the second information from transmission .

[0322] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for obtaining a first measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier; means for transmitting, to the network device, the first measurement result before the at least one RRC state change; means for receiving, from the network device, the first measurement configuration after transmitting the first information; means for obtaining a second measurement result associated with the second identifier based on the first measurement configuration; and means for transmitting, to the network device, the second measurement result.

[0323] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network device, a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier before the at least one RRC state change, wherein the first measurement result is transmitted based on the first measurement report configuration; and means for receiving, from the network device, the first measurement report configuration after transmitting the first information, wherein the second measurement result is transmitted based on the first measurement report configuration.

[0324] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for obtaining a fourth measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier; means for receiving, from the network device, at least one of the first measurement configuration or a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier after transmitting the first information; and means for transmitting, to the network device, the fourth measurement result based on the first measurement report configuration.

[0325] In some embodiments, the apparatus further may include means for performing other steps in some embodiments of the method 500. In some embodiments, the means may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0326] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 600 (for example, the network device 120) may comprise means for performing the respective steps of the method 600. Themeans may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module.

[0327] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: means for transmitting, to a terminal device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; means for connecting with the terminal device after at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change of the terminal device; and means for receiving, from the terminal device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0328] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for obtaining at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task; means for determining the at least one measurement configuration based on the at least one data collection configuration; and means for correlating the at least one identifier with the at least one measurement configuration.

[0329] In some embodiments, a first measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations for one or more data collection task, wherein the one or more data collection tasks are comprised in the at least one data collection task.

[0330] In some embodiments, the one or more data collection configurations comprise at least one overlapping parameter.

[0331] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0332] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a CSI report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0333] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; wherein the at least measurement configuration is transmitted to the terminal device based on the capability information.

[0334] In some embodiments, the first information may include the at least one identifier.

[0335] In some embodiments, the first information may include an indication of identifier availability for the data collection.

[0336] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the terminaldevice, the at least one identifier.

[0337] In some embodiments, the first information further may include the at least one identifier.

[0338] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining to stop the data collection from the terminal device; and means for transmitting, to the terminal device, an indication of stopping the data collection.

[0339] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining to stop data collection from the terminal device for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and means for transmitting, to the terminal device, an indication of stopping data collection for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier.

[0340] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining to continue the data collection from the terminal device; and means for transmitting, to the terminal device, the at least one measurement configuration correlated with the at least one identifier.

[0341] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining to continue data collection from the terminal device for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and means for transmitting, to the terminal device, one or more measurement configurations correlated with the one or more identifiers, wherein the one or more measurement configurations are comprised in the at least one measurement configuration.

[0342] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to the terminal device, second information associated with an identifier of the network device.

[0343] In some embodiments, first information may include the second information.

[0344] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the terminal device, a first measurement result associated with a first identifier correlated with the first measurement configuration before the at least one RRC state change of the terminal device; means for transmitting, to the terminal device, the first measurement configuration based on the first information associated with the at least one identifier; and means for receiving, from the terminal device, a second measurement result associated with the first identifier.

[0345] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to the terminal device, a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier before the at least one RRC state change of the terminal device; and means for transmitting, to the terminal device, the first measurement report configuration based on the first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0346] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for obtaining a first data collection result for a first data collection configuration among the one or more data collection configurations based onthe first measurement result; means for obtaining a second data collection result for the first data collection configuration based on the second measurement result; means for obtaining an aggregated data collection result for the first data collection configuration based on the first data collection result and the second data collection result; and means for transmitting, to a network entity, the aggregated data collection result.

[0347] In some embodiments, the terminal device is a first terminal device. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to a second terminal device, the first measurement configuration and the first identifier; means for receiving, from the second terminal device, a third measurement result associated with the first identifier; and means for obtaining a third data collection result for the first data collection configuration based on the third measurement result; wherein the aggregated data collection result is obtained based on the first data collection result, the second data collection result and the third data collection result.

[0348] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to a second terminal device, the first measurement configuration and the first identifier; and means for receiving, from the second terminal device, a third measurement result associated with the first identifier; and means for transmitting, to a network entity, the first measurement result, the second measurement result and the third measurement result.

[0349] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for uncorrelating the first identifier with the first measurement configuration; and means for releasing the first measurement configuration.

[0350] In some embodiments, the apparatus further may include means for performing other steps in some embodiments of the method 600. In some embodiments, the means may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0351] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 700 (for example, the terminal device 110) may comprise means for performing the respective steps of the method 700. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module.

[0352] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: means for receiving, from a first network device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively; means for performing a handover from the first network device to a second network device, wherein the at least one identifier is stored during the handover; and means for transmitting, to the second network device, first information associated with the at least one identifier.

[0353] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the first networkdevice, second information associated with an identifier of the first network device; and means for storing the second information during the handover.

[0354] In some embodiments, the first information may include the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0355] In some embodiments, the first information may include an indication of identifier availability for the data collection. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to the second network device, the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0356] In some embodiments, the first information further may include the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0357] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the second network device, an indication of stopping the data collection; and means for releasing the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0358] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the second network device, an indication of stopping data collection for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and means for releasing the one or more identifiers.

[0359] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the second network device, the at least one measurement configuration correlated with the at least one identifier; and means for continuing performing measurements for the data collection based on the at least one measurement configuration received from the second network device.

[0360] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the second network device, one or more measurement configurations correlated with one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and means for continuing performing measurements for the data collection based on the one or more measurement configurations.

[0361] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to the first network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations.

[0362] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one of the following: an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0363] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurementconfiguration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a CSI report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0364] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations.

[0365] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for releasing the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device in the case of one of the following: receiving an indication of stopping the data collection; receiving an indication of stopping the data collection for the at least one identifier; switching off; deregistering; or detaching.

[0366] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for releasing the at least one measurement configuration during the handover.

[0367] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for obtaining a first measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier; means for transmitting, to the first network device, the first measurement result; means for receiving, from the second network device, the first measurement configuration; means for obtaining a second measurement result associated with the second identifier based on the first measurement configuration; and means for transmitting, to the second network device, the second measurement result.

[0368] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the first network device, a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier, wherein the first measurement result is transmitted based on the first measurement report configuration; and means for receiving, from the second network device, the first measurement report configuration, wherein the second measurement result is transmitted based on the first measurement report configuration.

[0369] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for obtaining a fourth measurement result associated with a first identifier among the at least one identifier based on a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier; means for receiving, from the second network device, at least one of the first measurement configuration or a first measurement report configuration correlated with the first identifier after transmitting the first information; and means for transmitting, to the second network device, the fourth measurement result.

[0370] In some embodiments, the apparatus further may include means for performing other steps in some embodiments of the method 700. In some embodiments, the means may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0371] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 800 (for example, the network device 120) may comprise means for performing the respective steps of the method 800. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module.

[0372] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: means for obtaining at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task; means for determining at least one measurement configuration for data collection based on the at least one data collection configuration; means for transmitting, to a terminal device, the at least one measurement configuration and at least one identifier, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively..

[0373] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to the terminal device, second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0374] In some embodiments, a first measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations for one or more data collection tasks, wherein the one or more data collection tasks are comprised in the at least one data collection task.

[0375] In some embodiments, the one or more data collection configurations comprise at least one overlapping parameter.

[0376] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0377] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a CSI report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0378] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; wherein the at least measurement configuration is transmitted to the terminal device based on the capability information.

[0379] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to the terminal device, at least one measurement report configuration, wherein the at least one measurement report configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively.

[0380] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to at least one network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the atleast one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0381] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to the at least one network device, at least one measurement report configuration, wherein the at least one measurement report configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively.

[0382] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for in the case that the terminal device performs a handover from the first network device to a second network device, transmit, to the second network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0383] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to the second network device, at least one measurement report configuration, wherein the at least one measurement report configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively.

[0384] In some embodiments, the apparatus further may include means for performing other steps in some embodiments of the method 800. In some embodiments, the means may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0385] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 900 (for example, the network device 120) may comprise means for performing the respective steps of the method 900. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module.

[0386] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: means for receiving, from a terminal device, first information associated with at least one identifier stored by the terminal device, wherein the at least one identifier is associated with measurement configurations for data collection; means for determining whether to continue the data collection from the terminal device; and means for transmitting, to the terminal device, instruction information associated with the first information based on the determination.

[0387] In some embodiments, the first information may include the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of a first network device.

[0388] In some embodiments, the first information may include an indication of identifier availability for the data collection.

[0389] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the terminal device, the at least one identifier the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of a first network device.

[0390] In some embodiments, the first information further may include the at least one identifier and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0391] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining to stop the data collection from the terminal device; and wherein the instruction information may include an indication of stopping the data collection.

[0392] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining to stop data collection from the terminal device for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and wherein the instruction information may include an indication of stopping data collection for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier.

[0393] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining to continue the data collection from the terminal device; wherein the instruction information may include at least one measurement configuration for the data collection, wherein the at least one measurement configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively.

[0394] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining to continue data collection from the terminal device for one or more identifiers among the at least one identifier; and means for transmitting, to the terminal device, one or more measurement configurations correlated with the one or more identifiers, wherein the one or more measurement configurations are comprised in the at least one measurement configuration.

[0395] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the first network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and the second information associated with the identifier of the first network device.

[0396] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the first network device, at least one measurement report configuration, wherein the at least one measurement report configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively; and means for transmitting, to the terminal device, the at least one measurement report configuration.

[0397] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the first network device, at least one measurement report configuration, wherein the at least one measurement report configuration is correlated with the at least one identifier, respectively; and means for transmitting, to the terminal device, one or more measurement report configurations correlated with the one or more identifiers, wherein the one or more measurement report configurations are comprised in the at least one measurement report configuration.

[0398] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to the terminaldevice, a first identifier among the at least one identifier and a first measurement configuration correlated with the first identifier; and means for receiving, from the terminal device, a measurement result associated with the first identifier.

[0399] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to a network entity, the measurement result.

[0400] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the first network device, at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task, wherein the first measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations among the at least one data collection configuration; and means for obtaining a first data collection result for a first data collection configuration among the one or more data collection configurations based on the measurement result; and means for transmitting, to a network entity, the first data collection result.

[0401] In some embodiments, the one or more data collection configurations comprise at least one overlapping parameter.

[0402] In some embodiments, the apparatus further may include means for performing other steps in some embodiments of the method 900. In some embodiments, the means may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0403] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 1000 (for example, the terminal device 110) may comprise means for performing the respective steps of the method 1000. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module.

[0404] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: means for receiving, from a network device, a capability request; and means for transmitting, to the network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations.

[0405] In some embodiments, the capability information is indicative of at least one of the following: the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports data collection without mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports data collection with mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; a maximum number of identifiers of measurement configurations for data collection that the terminal device can store; the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for a logged MDT; an indication that the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for both an immediate MDT and a loggedMDT; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a logged data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection over RRC connected states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a first logged data collection over at least one of RRC idle states and RRC inactive states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; or the terminal device supports a second logged data collection over at least one RRC state based on identifiers of measurement configurations.

[0406] In some embodiments, the capability information is indicated in one bit. In some embodiments, the capability information is indicated in a plurality of bits.

[0407] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network device, a measurement configuration for data collection and an identifier correlated with the measurement configuration; means for storing the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration during at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change; and means for transmitting, to the network device, the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration after switching to a RRC connected state.

[0408] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network device, the measurement configuration.

[0409] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network device, an indication of stopping the data collection; and means for releasing the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration.

[0410] In some embodiments, the network device is a first network device, and the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the network device, a measurement configuration for data collection, an identifier correlated with the measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device; means for storing the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration and the identifier of the first network device during a handover from the first network device to a second network device; and means for transmitting, to the second network device, the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration and the second information associated with the identifier of the first network device.

[0411] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the second network device, the measurement configuration.

[0412] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the second network device, an indication of stopping the data collection; and means for releasing the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration.

[0413] In some embodiments, the measurement configuration is associated with at least one of thefollowing: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0414] In some embodiments, the CSI report configuration may include a logged CSI report configuration.

[0415] In some embodiments, the measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations.

[0416] In some embodiments, the apparatus further may include means for performing other steps in some embodiments of the method 1000. In some embodiments, the means may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0417] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the method 1100 (for example, the network device 120) may comprise means for performing the respective steps of the method 1100. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module.

[0418] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: means for transmitting, to a terminal device, a capability request; and means for receiving, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations.

[0419] In some embodiments, the capability information is indicative of at least one of the following: the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports data collection without mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports data collection with mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; a maximum number of identifiers of measurement configurations for data collection that the terminal device can store; the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for a logged MDT; an indication that the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for both an immediate MDT and a logged MDT; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a logged data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection over RRC connected states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a first logged data collection over at least one of RRC idle states and RRC inactive states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; or the terminal device supports a second logged data collection over at least one RRC state based on identifiers of measurement configurations.

[0420] In some embodiments, the capability information is indicated in one bit. In some embodiments, the capability information is indicated in a plurality of bits.

[0421] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to the terminal device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier based on the capability information, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively.

[0422] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for obtaining at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task; determining at least one measurement configuration based on the at least one data collection configuration; and correlating the at least one identifier with the at least one measurement configuration.

[0423] In some embodiments, a first measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations for one or more data collection tasks among the at least one data collection task.

[0424] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for receiving, from the terminal device, the at least one identifier correlated with the measurement configuration; and means for transmitting, to the terminal device, the measurement configuration.

[0425] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for transmitting, to at least one network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the network device.

[0426] In some embodiments, the apparatus is a first network device and may further include means for in the case that the terminal device performs a handover from the first network device to a second network device, transmitting, to the second network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

[0427] In some embodiments, the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0428] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a CSI report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

[0429] In some embodiments, the CSI report configuration may include a logged CSI report configuration.

[0430] In some embodiments, a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations.

[0431] In some embodiments, the apparatus further may include means for performing other steps in some embodiments of the method 1100. In some embodiments, the means may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0432] Fig. 12 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1200 that is suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1200 may be provided to implement the communication device, for example the terminal device 110, or the network device 120 as shown in Fig. 1 . As shown, the device 1200 includes one or more processors 1210, one or more memories 1220 coupled to the processor 1210, and one or more communication modules 1240 coupled to the processor 1210.

[0433] The communication module 1240 is for bidirectional communications. The communication module 1240 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements.

[0434] The processor 1210 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may include one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 1200 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

[0435] The memory 1220 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of the non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 1224, an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of the volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a random access memory (RAM) 1222 and other volatile memories that will not last in the power-down duration.

[0436] A computer program 1230 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 1210. The program 1230 may be stored in the ROM 1220. The processor 1210 may perform any suitable actions and processing by loading the program 1230 into the RAM 1220.

[0437] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 1230 so that the device 1200 may perform any process of the disclosure as discussed with reference to Figs. 2A to 11. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0438] In some embodiments, the program 1230 may be tangibly contained in a computer readable medium which may be included in the device 1200 (such as in the memory 1220) or other storage devices that are accessible by the device 1200. The device 1200 may load the program 1230 from the computer readable medium to the RAM 1222 for execution. The computer readable medium may include any types of tangible non-volatile storage, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like. Fig. 13 shows an example of the computer readable medium 1300 in form of CD or DVD. The computer readable medium has the program 1230 stored thereon.

[0439] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. While various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations, it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system, technique or method described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0440] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computerexecutable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor, to carry out and of the methods, 500 or 1100 as described above with reference to Figs. 5-11. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0441] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program codes, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

[0442] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program codes or related data may be carriedby any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable medium, and the like.

[0443] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The term “non- transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0444] Further, while operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, while several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0445] Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A terminal device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device at least to: receive, from a network device, a capability request; and transmit, to the network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

2. The terminal device of claim 1 , wherein the capability information is indicative of at least one of the following: the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports data collection without mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports data collection with mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; a maximum number of identifiers of measurement configurations for data collection that the terminal device can store; the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for a logged MDT; or an indication that the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for both an immediate MDT and a logged MDT; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a logged data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection over RRC connected states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a first logged data collection over at least one of RRC idle states and RRC inactive states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; or the terminal device supports a second logged data collection over at least one RRC state based on identifiers of measurement configurations.

3. The terminal device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the capability information is indicated in one bit; or wherein the capability information is indicated in a plurality of bits.

4. The terminal device of any of claims 1 -3, wherein the terminal device is further caused to: receive, from the network device, a measurement configuration for data collection and an identifier correlated with the measurement configuration; store the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration during at least one radio resource control (RRC) state change; and transmit, to the network device, the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration after switching to a RRC connected state.

5. The terminal device of claim 4, wherein the terminal device is further caused to: receive, from the network device, the measurement configuration.

6. The terminal device of claim 4, wherein the terminal device is further caused to: receive, from the network device, an indication of stopping the data collection; and release the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration.

7. The terminal device of any of claims 1 -3, wherein the network device is a first network device, and the terminal device is further caused to: receive, from the network device, a measurement configuration for data collection, an identifier correlated with the measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device; store the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration and the identifier of the first network device during a handover from the first network device to a second network device; and transmit, to the second network device, the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration and the second information associated with the identifier of the first network device.

8. The terminal device of claim 7, wherein the terminal device is further caused to: receive, from the second network device, the measurement configuration.

9. The terminal device of claim 7, wherein the terminal device is further caused to: receive, from the second network device, an indication of stopping the data collection; and release the identifier correlated with the measurement configuration.6610. The terminal device of any of claims 4-9, wherein the measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

11. The terminal device of claim 10, wherein the CSI report configuration comprises a logged CSI report configuration.

12. The terminal device of any of claims 4-9, wherein the measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations.

13. A network device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device at least to: transmit, to a terminal device, a capability request; and receive, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

14. The network device of claim 13, wherein the capability information is indicative of at least one of the following: the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports data collection without mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports data collection with mobility based on identifiers of measurement configurations; a maximum number of identifiers of measurement configurations for data collection that the terminal device can store; the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for an immediate minimization of drive test (MDT); the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for67a logged MDT; or an indication that the terminal device supports data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for both an immediate MDT and a logged MDT; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a logged data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports an immediate data collection over RRC connected states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; the terminal device supports a first logged data collection over at least one of RRC idle states and RRC inactive states based on identifiers of measurement configurations; or the terminal device supports a second logged data collection over at least one RRC state based on identifiers of measurement configurations.

15. The network device of claim 13 or 14, wherein the capability information is indicated in one bit; or wherein the capability information is indicated in a plurality of bits.

16. The network device of any of claims 13-15, wherein the network device is further caused to: transmit, to the terminal device, at least one measurement configuration for data collection and at least one identifier based on the capability information, wherein the at least one identifier is correlated with the at least one measurement configuration, respectively.

17. The network device of claim 16, wherein the network device is further caused to: obtain at least one data collection configuration for at least one data collection task; determine at least one measurement configuration based on the at least one data collection configuration; and correlate the at least one identifier with the at least one measurement configuration.

18. The network device of claim 17, wherein a first measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations for one or more data collection tasks among the at least one data collection task.

19. The network device of any of claims 16-18, wherein the network device is further caused to: receive, from the terminal device, the at least one identifier correlated with the measurement68configuration; and transmit, to the terminal device, the measurement configuration.

20. The network device of any of claims 16-19, wherein the network device is further caused to: transmit, to at least one network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the network device.21 . The network device of any of claims 16-19, wherein the network device is a first network device and is further caused to: in the case that the terminal device performs a handover from the first network device to a second network device, transmit, to the second network device, the at least one measurement configuration, the at least one identifier correlated with the at least one measurement configuration and second information associated with an identifier of the first network device.

22. The network device of any of claims 16-21 , wherein the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; a channel status information (CSI) report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

23. The network device of any of claims 16-21 , wherein a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with at least one of the following: an immediate MDT; a logged MDT; or a CSI report configuration; a beam measurement report configuration; a RRC measurement report configuration; or a positioning measurement configuration.

24. The network device of claim 22 or 23, wherein the CSI report configuration comprises a logged CSI report configuration.6925. The network device of any of claims 16-21 , wherein a measurement configuration among the at least one measurement configuration is associated with one or more data collection configurations.

26. A method performed by a terminal device, comprising: receiving, from a network device, a capability request; and transmitting, to the network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

27. A method performed by a network device, comprising: transmitting, to a terminal device, a capability request; and receiving, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

28. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a network device, a capability request; and means for transmitting, to the network device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

29. An apparatus comprising: means for transmitting, to a terminal device, a capability request; and means for receiving, from the terminal device, capability information related to support of the terminal device on data collection based on identifiers of measurement configurations for maintaining data collection continuity.

30. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least one of the methods of claims 26-27.

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