Method for network controlled priority-based measurement

Abstract

A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a network node and method implemented in the user equipment are described. The UE includes at least a first searcher and a second searcher. The first searcher and the second searcher are configured for performing signal measurements. The method includes receiving a first indication indicating a prioritization of component carriers lists (PCL) associated with one or more reference signals to be measured using one or both of the first searcher and second searcher. The reference signals are provided by one or more component carriers (CCs). The method also includes performing one or more actions based on the PCL. (FIG. 1)

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR NETWORK CONTROLLED PRIORITY-BASED MEASUREMENT

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and in particular, to priority -based measurements controlled by one or more network nodes.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed and is developing standards for Fourth Generation (4G) (also referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE)) and Fifth Generation (5G) (also referred to as New Radio (NR)) wireless communication systems. Such systems provide, among other features, broadband communication between network nodes, such as base stations, and mobile user equipments (UE), as well as communication between network nodes and between UEs. The 3GPP is also developing standards for Sixth Generation (6G) wireless communication networks.

[0006] Multicarrier (MC) operation

[0007] In MC operation the UE may operate with at least two serving cells belonging to their respective serving carrier frequencies. Examples of MC operations include carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), multi -connectivity (MuC), etc. The carrier frequency may be referred to as component carrier (CC), frequency layer, serving carrier, frequency channel, etc. Examples of serving cells include special cell (sPCell), secondary cell (SCell), etc. Examples of SpCells include primary cell (PCell), primary secondary cell (PSCell), etc. The carrier frequencies of SpCell, SCell, PCell and PSCell may be referred to as special CC (SpCC) or (SpC), secondary CC (SCC), primary CC (PCC) and primary secondary CC (PSCC), or PSC respectively.

[0008] In CA the UE may be configured with one primary serving cell (i.e., PCell) and one or more secondary serving cells (i.e., SCells). In DC the UE may be configured with a master cell group (MCG) which includes at least a PCell and a secondary cell group (SCG) which includes at least a PSCell. Each of the MCG and SCG may further include one or more SCells. The PCell may manage (e.g., configures, changes, releases, etc.) all SCells in the MCG and the PSCell in the SCG. The PSCell may manage all SCells in the SCG. The cells in the MCG and the SCG may belong to the same radio access technology (RAT) (e.g. all cells are NR in both MCG and SCG like in NR-DC), or they may belong to different RATs (e.g. LTE cells in MCG and NR cells in SCG like in Evolved Non- standalone Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) or NR cells in MCG and LTE cells in SCG like in NR E-UTRA Dual Connectivity (NE-DC)).

[0009] NR CA and Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC), including NR-DC, EN-DC, and NE-DC, are examples of multi-carrier operation in NR.

[0010] UE measurements

[0011] The UE may perform measurements on one or more downlink (DL) and / or uplink (UL) reference signal (RS) of one or more cells in different UE activity states, e.g. radio resource control (RRC) idle state, RRC inactive state, RRC connected state, etc. The measured cell may belong to or operate on the same carrier frequency as of the serving cell (e.g. intra-frequency carrier) or may belong to or operate on different carrier frequency as of the serving cell (e.g., non-serving carrier frequency). The non-serving carrier may be referred to as inter-frequency carrier if the serving and measured cells belong to the same RAT bit different carriers. The non-serving carrier may be referred to as inter-RAT carrier if the serving and measured cells belong to different RATs. Examples of downlink RS are signals in synchronization signal block (SSB), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), cell-specific reference signal (CRS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), signals in SS and / or physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB), discovery reference signal (DRS), positioning reference signal (PRS), etc. Examples of uplink RS are signals in SRS, DMRS. etc.

[0012] Each SSB may carry NR-PSS, NR-SSS and NR-PBCH in 4 successive symbols. One or multiple SSBs may be transmitted in one SSB burst which is repeated with certain periodicity, e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms and 160 ms. The UE may be configured with information about SSB on cells of certain carrier frequency by one or more SS / PBCH block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) configurations. The SMTC configuration may include parameters such as SMTC periodicity, SMTC occasion length in time or duration, SMTC time offset with respect to reference time (e.g., serving cell’s SFN), etc. Therefore, SMTC occasion may also occur with certain periodicity, e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms and 160 ms.

[0013] Examples of measurements include cell identification (e.g. PCI acquisition, PSS / SSS detection, cell detection, cell search, etc.), Reference Symbol Received Power (RSRP), Reference Symbol Received Quality (RSRQ), secondary synchronization RSRP (SS-RSRP), SS-RSRQ, SINR, RS-SINR, SS-SINR, CSI-RSRP, CSI-RSRQ, received signal strength indicator (RS SI), acquisition of system information (SI), cell global ID (CGI) acquisition, Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), UE RX-TX time difference measurement, Radio Link Monitoring (RLM), which consists of Out of Synchronization (out of sync) detection and In Synchronization (in-sync) detection, etc.

[0014] The UE is typically configured by the network (e.g., via RRC message) with measurement configuration and measurement reporting configuration, e.g., measurement gap pattern, carrier frequency information, types of measurements (e.g., RSRP, etc.), higher layer filtering coefficient, time to trigger report, reporting mechanism (e.g., periodic, event triggered reporting, event triggered periodic reporting, etc.), etc.

[0015] The measurements may be performed for various purposes. Some example measurement purposes include UE mobility (e.g., cell change, cell selection, cell reselection, handover, RRC connection re-establishment, etc.), UE positioning or location determination self-organizing network (SON), minimization of drive tests (MDT), operation and maintenance (O&M), network planning and optimization etc.

[0016] SSB-MTC and measurement gaps

[0017] The NR synchronization signal (SS) consists of primary SS (PSS) and secondary SS (SSS). NR physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carries the very basic system information. The combination of SS and PBCH is referred to as SSB in NR. Multiple SSBs are transmitted in a localized burst set. Within an SS burst set, multiple SSBs can be transmitted in different beams. The transmission of SSBs within a localized burst set may be confined to a 5 ms window. The set of possible SSB time locations within an SS burst set may depend on the numerology which in most cases is uniquely identified by the frequency band. The SSB periodicity can be configured from the value set {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160} ms (where the unit used in the configuration is subframe, which has a duration of 1 ms).

[0018] A UE may not need to perform measurements with the same periodicity as the SSB periodicity. Accordingly, the SSB measurement time configuration (SMTC) has been introduced for NR. The signaling of SMTC window informs the UE of the timing and periodicity of SSBs that the UE can use for measurements. The SMTC window periodicity can be configured from the value set {5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160} ms, matching the possible SSB periodicities. The SMTC window duration can be configured from the value set { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5} ms (where the unit used in the configuration is subframe, which has a duration of 1 ms). The SMTC window duration may also be simply referred to as SMTC duration or SMTC length or SMTC occasion duration or SMTC occasion length etc. Further, the UE may use the same RF module for measurements of neighboring cells and data transmission in the serving cell. Measurement gaps allow the UE to suspend the data transmission in the serving cell and perform the measurements of neighboring cells. The measurement gap repetition periodicity (MGRP) can be configured from the set of values {20, 40, 80, 160} ms. The measurement gap length (MGL) can be configured from the set of values { 1.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6, 10, 20} ms. Usually, the measurement gap length is configured to be larger than the SMTC window duration to allow for RF retuning time. Measurement gap time advance may also be introduced to fine tune the relative position of the measurement gap with respect to the SMTC window. The measurement gap timing advance can be configured from the value set {0, 0.25, 0.5} ms.

[0019] FIG. 1 provides an illustration of an example SSB, SMTC window, and measurement gap.

[0020] Sequential measurement with respect to CSSF

[0021] In Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN), measurements on more than one frequency layer or measurement object (MO) is termed as sequential measurement provided that the UE only measures one MO at one measurement occasion. In consequence, measurement delay on one MO may be scaled up upon the total number of carriers to be measured.

[0022] Carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) has been introduced in NR to speed up the measurement assuming two measurement engines (i.e., searchers) can be supported by UE. The UE may use one engine to keep the PCell measurement and one engine to perform other serving cells measurement. The measurement engine (searcher) includes the baseband and / or digital circuits at UE, can measure one frequency / carrier at one time. Referring to existing specification 3GPP technical specification (TS) 38.133 vl8.5.0, a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) may be defined to the scale measurement delay for different carriers at different frequencies. The CSSF values are categorized into CSSF outside gap.i and C S SF within gap, i, for the measurements conducted with two different groups, such as outside measurement gaps and within measurement gaps, respectively.

[0023] In current 3GPP specifications, CSSF values have been derived to scale the measurement delay requirements when the UE is configured to monitor multiple measurement objects. The 3GPP specification does not state when / at which time instances UE performs measurements, rather it is left up to UE implementation. Instead, the UE may have to perform the measurements fulfilling the measurement delay and accuracy requirements. When the UE performs measurements, applying CSSF, e.g., CSSF outside gaps, the measurement may be delayed by a single carrier when there is more than one carrier configured to be measured.

[0024] The CSSF rule may be based on two searchers assumption, and the CSSF rule may implicitly indicate usages of searchers, as follows:

[0025] • One searcher (the first searcher) is dedicated to PCC.

[0026] • The other searcher (the second searcher) is shared by all SCCs.

[0027] • For DC, the cell search / L3 -measurement engine is dedicated for PSCC with 50% of the overall time, and for the other 50%, the engine is equally shared by the rest of the CCs.

[0028] • For CA, half of the other searcher (50%) is dedicated to SCC where neighbor cell measurement is required, which is prioritized over other SCC(s).

[0029] • The remaining half of the searcher is shared among frequency range 1 (FR1) SCCs and frequency range 2 (FR2) SCCs where neighbor cell measurement is not required.

[0030] The following are some examples of measurement ratio / chance / percentage and CSSF number:

[0031] • For a CC, the measurement percentage =1 / (CSSF for the CC). For example, if CSSF for a SCC is 4 since NSCC SSB (assume no CSI-RS based L3 measurement)=4, then the second searcher may have to use 25% percentage of the entire resource for the measurement on the SCC.

[0032] Further, in 3GPP release 19 (Rel-19), several processes for NR and MR-DC RRM requirements have been described, as shown below:

[0033] • For UE not in multiple-Rx simultaneous reception mode:

[0034] ■ Study suitable scenarios and conditions and, if feasible, introduce methods to reduce FR2-1 L3 measurement delay by optimizing:

[0035] • CSSF outside gap in CA / DC scenarios

[0036] Baseline assumption on number of searchers is 2.

[0037] Applying the current CSSF may take a long time for the UE to measure all component carriers with same priority and then report the measurement results after all measurements are completed, especially when accounting for FR2 undetected CC(s). Before obtaining measurement results on all CCs including the intended CC(s), the network may have to wait a lengthy time. However, in an actual deployment, in some cases, the network may expect to know the measurement of certain CC(s) more urgently than other CCs. In some other cases, the network may expect to know the measurement of certain frequency range(s), e.g., FR1 , more urgently than other frequency range(s), e.g., FR2.

[0038] In a typical measurement configuration scenario, a UE is in a cell (Cell A) and is configured with CA associated to one SCC in FR1 (on Fl) and one SCC in FR2 (on F3) blindly, i.e., the UE has not performed any measurements on these carriers prior to receiving the SCell configuration. As part of the measurement configuration, the UE is configured with Fl, F2 related Al and A2 events.

[0039] Since the UE is already configured with SCCs on Fl and F2, the UE does not need measurement gaps but may use CSSF (outside of measurement gap) rule to perform measurements on these carriers. Since only a total measurement delay scaled up due to CSSF rule is required to the UE, the network may be unaware of how much time will elapse before it can expect the UE to send a measurement report indicating the coverage status on the intended frequency (e.g., FR1 band). Thus, this situation may make the network wait for the longest time before the network can determine that the lack of measurement report is due to the lack of coverage at the current UE location. This is sub- optimal and inefficient as any FR2 related measurement may take much longer and thus would end up making the network-related timer continue to time for much longer than desired, i.e., it is expected the measurement on one or more than one CC to be faster than others based on the network preference.

[0040] SUMMARY

[0041] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for priority -based measurements controlled by one or more network nodes.

[0042] In some embodiments, the UE is equipped with at least two searchers for measurements, where one of the searchers is used for the measurements on the primary carriers or cells, and another searcher is used for other carriers. Some embodiments provide searchers for measuring one or more additional carriers or cells (e.g., PCell and / or SCells) such as to speed up the measurements.

[0043] Some embodiments provide indications of prioritization of certain CC(s) list (PCL) together with instructions or indications instructing UE to execute measurement and reporting with respect to reference signals of one or more CCs, including the carriers managed by the serving cell. Some other embodiments provide a method in a UE. The method includes receiving and applying one or more PCLs related to or associated with reference signals (including SSB and configuration with SMTC and MG) to be measured and provided by one or more component carriers (CCs) (including the carriers managed by the serving cell). In some embodiments, the PCLs allows the UE to measure less CCs than the number of configured CCs.

[0044] In some other embodiments, the PCL indicates to the UE the CC(s) applying a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher.

[0045] In some embodiments, the PCL indicates to the UE the CC(s) additionally applying a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher.

[0046] In some other embodiments, the PCL indicates to the UE the CC(s) applying a specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher.

[0047] In some embodiments, the PCL indicates to the UE the CC(s) applying a specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher.

[0048] In some other embodiments, the PCL indicates to the UE the CC(s) applying a specified resource percentage X% of all searchers.

[0049] In some embodiments, the PCL indicates the UE the CC(s) applying a specified resource percentage XI % of the first searcher and X2 % of the second searcher.

[0050] In some other embodiments, the PCL indicates to the UE CC(s) applying a dedicated searcher (either the first searcher or second searcher).

[0051] In some embodiments, the network node may indicate the PCL corresponding to a dedicated UE or UE group.

[0052] In some other embodiments, the PCL indicates to the UE the frequency range in the above embodiments.

[0053] Resource percentages X and / or Y may assume any value between 0 and 100 (e.g. 50, 75, 100). Specifically the values X and or Y may assume any value between 0 and 100, except the values 0 and / or 100.

[0054] In an embodiment thereto, the PCI indicates a searcher to only measure (and report) selected CCs. E.g. for X=100 and an indication that the first searcher should prioritize selected primary CCs (i.e. a subset of all primary CCs being configured), the UE only measures and reports the selected primary CCs and refrains from measuring the other configured primary CCs.

[0055] Similarly, e.g. if X=100 is indicated with respect to the second searcher, and if it is indicated that the second searcher should prioritize selected secondary CCs (i.e. a subset of all secondary CCs being configured), the UE only measures and reports the selected secondary CCs and refrains from measuring the other configured secondary CCs.

[0056] In an embodiment, the PCL comprises both the priority information with respect to the configured CCs (primary CCs and / or secondary CCs) and the resource percentage (of the first / and / or second searcher) that shall be dedicated to each the prioritized CCs.

[0057] Alternatively, the indication(s) of the resource percentage to be used for measuring the prioritized CCs may be different control message(s) received by the UE, or may be autonomously determined by the UE (e.g. using fixed or semi-fixed percentage values).

[0058] In some embodiments, the UE may switch between applying the PCL and applying the existing CSSF, i.e., applying the PCL replacing applying the existing CSSF rule, or falling back to applying the existing CSSF rule from applying the PCL.

[0059] In some other embodiments, the UE applies the PCL on the measurement of a CC(s) when certain conditions on the CC(s) are met, provided the UE is applying the existing CSSF rule and has received the PCL on the CC(s).

[0060] In some embodiments, the UE fallbacks to applying the existing CSSF rule on the measurement of a CC(s) when certain conditions on the CC(s) are met, provided the UE is applying the PCL on the CC(s).

[0061] In some other embodiments, the UE is provided with a timer / time window associated with the PCL additionally, which indicates that the PCL is valid for the UE in the running timer with predefined or configurable threshold or in the time window with predefined or configurable length.

[0062] In some embodiments, the UE applies the PCL on one or more than one CC’s measurement with respect to the time instant when the UE receives the PCL configured and / or indicated by a command or the time instant when the condition for the PCL is met.

[0063] Some embodiments provide a method for the network node to indicate the prioritized cell list when the UE is using more than one searchers served by more than one component carrier (CC) (including the carriers managed by the serving cell). The UE may follow the network node indication to prioritize measurements or assign a dedicated measurement resource on one or more than one CCs.

[0064] In some embodiments, the network node may flexibly indicate the prioritized cells / frequencies to speed up the measurement on specific cells / frequencies in different scenarios. For example, the network node can prioritize the undetected cells’ measurement. In another example, the network node can prioritize the candidate SCells’ measurement. Owing to the prioritized measurement, the network node can perform the SCell activation procedures faster than conventional systems.

[0065] In some other embodiments, the UE may schedule (e.g., smartly schedule) the measurement resources on different measurement objects based on the network node indication to avoid the resource waste.

[0066] In accordance with one aspect, a method implemented in a user equipment, UE, configured to communicate with a network node is provided. The UE comprises at least a first searcher and a second searcher in which the first searcher and the second searcher are configured for performing signal measurements. The method comprises receiving a first indication indicating one or more prioritization of component carriers in a prioritization of component carriers list, PCL, associated with one or more reference signals to be measured using one or both of the first searcher and second searcher, the reference signals being provided by one or more component carriers, CCs, and performing one or more actions based on the PCL.

[0067] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the one or more actions include one or both of performing, using the first searcher, one or more first measurements of primary carriers or cells; and performing, using the second searcher, one or more second measurements of other carriers or cells.

[0068] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the PCL indicates to the UE the one or more CCs that are applicable to one or more of: a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of all searchers; another specified resource percentage Xl% of the first searcher and X2 % of the second searcher; and a dedicated searcher of the at least one of the first searcher and the second searcher.

[0069] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, one or both of the PCL corresponds to a dedicated UE or a dedicated UE group; and the PCL indicates a frequency range to the UE.

[0070] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the method further includes one or more of switching between applying the PCL and applying a carrier specific scaling factor, CSSF, rule; applying the PCL to measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE is applying the CSSF rule; and applying the CSSF rule to the measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE is applying the PCL. In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the method further includes one or both of receiving a second indication of a timer or time window associated with the PCL, the PCL being valid for the UE while the timer is running or within the time window; and applying the PCL to the measurement of the one or more CC with respect to a time instant when the UE receives a PCL configured and / or is indicated by a command and / or is indicated by the time instant.

[0071] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the PCL is one of a first PCL type and second PCL type, the first PCL type being associated with measurements on deactivated cells and the second PCL type being associated with measurements on active cells.

[0072] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the method further comprises transmitting capability information to the network node, the capability information comprising a quantity of searchers available to the UE, the quantity of searchers being at least two; receiving, from the network node, radio resource control, RRC, reconfiguration information indicating one or more measurement objects for a cell serving the UE and for neighbor cells; the measurement objects corresponding to the reference signals to be measured as indicated in the received PCL to be performed by the quantity of searchers; and the one or more actions comprising: performing the measurements using at least the first searcher and the second searcher; and reporting the measurements to the network node.

[0073] In accordance with another aspect, a user equipment, UE, configured to communicate with a network node, is provided. The UE comprises at least a first searcher and a second searcher, the first searcher and the second searcher being configured for performing signal measurements. The UE is configured to: receive a first indication indicating one or more prioritization of component carriers in a prioritization of component carriers list, PCL, associated with one or more reference signals to be measured using one or both of the first searcher and second searcher, the reference signals being provided by one or more component carriers, CCs, and perform one or more actions based on the PCL.

[0074] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the one or more actions include one or both of performing, using the first searcher, one or more first measurements of primary carriers or cells; and performing, using the second searcher, one or more second measurements of other carriers or cells. In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the PCL indicates to the UE the one or more CCs that are applicable to one or more of: a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of all searchers; another specified resource percentage Xl% of the first searcher and X2 % of the second searcher; and a dedicated searcher of the at least one of the first searcher and the second searcher.

[0075] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, one or both of the PCL corresponds to a dedicated UE or a dedicated UE group; and the PCL indicates a frequency range to the UE.

[0076] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the UE is further configured to one or more of switch between applying the PCL and apply a carrier specific scaling factor, CSSF, rule; apply the PCL to measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE is applying the CSSF rule; and apply the CSSF rule to the measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE is applying the PCL.

[0077] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the UE is further configured to one or both of receive a second indication of a timer or time window associated with the PCL, the PCL being valid for the UE while the timer is running or within the time window; and apply the PCL to the measurement of the one or more CC with respect to a time instant when the UE receives a PCL configured and / or is indicated by a command and / or is indicated by the time instant.

[0078] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the PCL is one of a first PCL type and second PCL type, the first PCL type being associated with measurements on deactivated cells and the second PCL type being associated with measurements on active cells.

[0079] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the UE is further configured to transmit capability information to the network node, the capability information comprising a quantity of searchers available to the UE, the quantity of searchers being at least two; receive, from the network node, radio resource control, RRC, reconfiguration information indicating one or more measurement objects for a cell serving the UE and for neighbor cells; the measurement objects corresponding to the reference signals to be measured as indicated in the received PCL to be performed by the quantity of searchers; and the one or more actions comprising: performing the measurements using at least the first searcher and the second searcher; and reporting the measurements to the network node.

[0080] In accordance with another aspect, a method implemented in a network node configured to communicate with a UE is provided. The UE comprises at least a first searcher and a second searcher, the first searcher and the second searcher being configured for performing signal measurements. The method comprises determining a first indication indicating a prioritization of component carriers list, PCL, associated with one or more reference signals to be measured using one or both of the first searcher and second searcher, the reference signals being provided by one or more component carriers, CCs, the one or more PCLs being based on one or more parameters; and transmitting the first indication to the UE.

[0081] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the PCL indicates to the UE the one or more CCs that are applicable to one or more of: a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of all searchers; another specified resource percentage Xl% of the first searcher and X2 % of the second searcher; and a dedicated searcher of the at least one of the first searcher and the second searcher.

[0082] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, one or both of: the PCLs corresponds to a dedicated UE or a dedicated UE group; and the PCLs indicates a frequency range to the UE.

[0083] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the method further includes transmitting a second indication of a timer or time window associated with the PCL, the PCL being valid for the UE while the timer is running or within the time window.

[0084] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the PCL is one of a first PCL type and second PCL type, the first PCL type being associated with measurements on deactivated cells and the second PCL type being associated with measurements on active cells.

[0085] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the method further comprises receiving capability information from the UE, the capability information comprising a quantity of searchers available to the UE, the quantity of searchers being at least two; and transmitting, to the UE, radio resource control, RRC, reconfiguration information indicating one or more measurement objects for a cell serving the UE and for neighbor cells, the measurement objects corresponding to the reference signals to be measured as indicated in the received PCL to be performed by the quantity of searchers.

[0086] In accordance with another aspect, a network node configured to communicate with a UE is provided. The UE comprises at least a first searcher and a second searcher, the first searcher and the second searcher being configured for performing signal measurements. The network node is configured to: determine a first indication indicating a prioritization of component carriers list, PCL, associated with one or more reference signals to be measured using one or both of the first searcher and second searcher, the reference signals being provided by one or more component carriers, CCs, the one or more PCLs being based on one or more parameters; and transmit the first indication to the UE.

[0087] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the PCL indicates to the UE the one or more CCs that are applicable to one or more of: a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of all searchers; another specified resource percentage Xl% of the first searcher and X2 % of the second searcher; and a dedicated searcher of the at least one of the first searcher and the second searcher.

[0088] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, one or both of: the PCLs corresponds to a dedicated UE or a dedicated UE group; and the PCLs indicates a frequency range to the UE.

[0089] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the network node is further configured to transmit a second indication of a timer or time window associated with the PCL, the PCL being valid for the UE while the timer is running or within the time window.

[0090] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the PCL is one of a first PCL type and second PCL type, the first PCL type being associated with measurements on deactivated cells and the second PCL type being associated with measurements on active cells.

[0091] In accordance with an embodiment of this aspect, the network node is further configured to receive capability information from the UE, the capability information comprising a quantity of searchers available to the UE, the quantity of searchers being at least two; and transmit, to the UE, radio resource control, RRC, reconfiguration information indicating one or more measurement objects for a cell serving the UE and for neighbor cells, the measurement objects corresponding to the reference signals to be measured as indicated in the received PCL to be performed by the quantity of searchers.

[0092] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0094] FIG. 1 shows examples of an SSB, an SMTC window, and a measurement gap.

[0095] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network architecture illustrating a communication system according to the principles in the present disclosure;

[0096] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a device, a UE, and one or more network nodes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0097] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a UE according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0098] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to priority -based measurements controlled by one or more network nodes. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0100] As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. 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,” “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0101] In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication.

[0102] In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily directly, and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0103] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. 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,” “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0104] The term “network node” used herein can be any kind of network node comprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B (gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multistandard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), a core network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to the current network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a master node (MN), a secondary node (SN), etc. The network node may also comprise test equipment. The term “radio node” used herein may be used to also denote a UE or a radio network node.

[0105] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms user equipment (UE) and wireless device (WD) may be used interchangeably. The UE herein can be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node or another UE over radio signals and / or with another device (e.g., AUN3 device) and / or with another network node via a wired or wireline connection. The UE may also be a radio communication device, target device, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine communication (M2M), low-cost and / or low-complexity UE, a sensor equipped with UE, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, or a Narrowband loT (NB-IOT) device, etc. In some embodiments, a UE may refer to a residential gateway (RG).

[0106] Also, in some embodiments the generic term “radio network node” is used. It can be any kind of a radio network node which may comprise any of base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, Multi-cell / multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), IAB node, relay node, access point, radio access point, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH).

[0107] Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, such as, for example, 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR) and / or 6G, may be used in this disclosure, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the disclosure to only the aforementioned system. It is contemplated that other 3GPP systems may make use of the concepts and arrangements disclosed herein. For example, a disclosure relating to NR may also be implementable in a 6G system and / or an LTE system, a disclosure relating to 6G may also be implementable in a NR and / or LTE system, and a disclosure relating to LTE may also be implementable in a NR and / or 6G system. Other wireless systems, including without limitation Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within this disclosure.

[0108] Note further, that functions described herein as being performed by a wireless device or a network node may be distributed over a plurality of wireless devices and / or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network node and wireless device described herein are not limited to performance by a single physical device and, in fact, can be distributed among several physical devices.

[0109] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0110] Referring again to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 2 a schematic diagram of a communication system 10, according to an embodiment, such as a 3 GPP -type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and / or NR (5G) and / or 6G, which comprises an access network 12, such as a radio access network, and a core network 14. The system 10 includes a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d (referred to collectively as network nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs, NTN nodes, or other types of wireless access points. In some embodiments, network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c are comprised in access network 12, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (referred to collectively as coverage areas 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to the core network 14 over a wired or wireless connection 20. A first user equipment (UE) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding network node 16a. A second UE 22b in coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16b. Network node 16d (e.g., satellite) is also connectable to any component of system 10 such as access network 12 and / or core network 14 and / or UEs 22 and / or other network nodes 16 such as network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c. While a plurality of UEs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as user equipments 22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two UEs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more UEs 22 and network nodes 16.

[0111] Also, it is contemplated that a UE 22 can be in simultaneous communication and / or configured to separately communicate with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. For example, a UE 22 can have dual connectivity with a network node 16 that supports LTE and the same or a different network node 16 that supports NR. As an example, UE 22 can be in communication with an eNB for LTE / E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR / NG-RAN.

[0112] A network node 16 is configured to include a node management unit 24 which is configured to perform any step and / or task and / or process and / or method and / or feature described in the present disclosure, e.g., network node functions. A user equipment 22 is configured to include a UE management unit 26 which is configured to perform any step and / or task and / or process and / or method and / or feature described in the present disclosure, e.g., UE functions.

[0113] Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the UE 22 and network node 16 discussed in the preceding paragraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0114] The communication system 10 includes a network node 16 provided in a communication system 10 and includes hardware 28 enabling it to communicate with the UE 22. The hardware 28 may include a radio interface 30 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 32 with a UE 22 located in a coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. The radio interface 30 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The radio interface 30 includes an array of antennas 34 to radiate and receive signal(s) carrying electromagnetic waves. The hardware 28 may include a communication interface 31 for setting up and maintaining a wireless / wired connection with other network nodes 16.

[0115] In the embodiment shown, the hardware 28 of the network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 36. The processing circuitry 36 may include a processor 38 and a memory 40. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 36 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 38 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 40, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0116] Thus, the network node 16 further has software 42 stored internally in, for example, memory 40, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node 16 via an external connection. The software 42 may be executable by the processing circuitry 36. The processing circuitry 36 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by network node 16. Processor 38 corresponds to one or more processors 38 for performing network node 16 functions described herein. The memory 40 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 42 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 38 and / or processing circuitry 36, causes the processor 38 and / or processing circuitry 36 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, processing circuitry 36 of the network node 16 may include a node management unit 24 which is configured to perform any step and / or task and / or process and / or method and / or feature described in the present disclosure, e.g., network node functions.

[0117] The communication system 10 further includes the UE 22 already referred to. The UE 22 may have hardware 44 that may include a radio interface 46 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 32 with a network node 16 serving a coverage area 18 in which the UE 22 is currently located. The radio interface 46 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The radio interface 46 includes an array of antennas 48 to radiate and receive signal(s) carrying electromagnetic waves.

[0118] The hardware 44 of the UE 22 further includes processing circuitry 50. The processing circuitry 50 may include a processor 52 and memory 54. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 50 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 52 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 54, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The hardware 44 may also include searcher 60 (which may refer to more than one searcher) configured to perform one or more measurements, e.g., on one or more carriers. Searcher 60 may be referred to as measurement engine. Thus, the UE 22 may further comprise software 56, which is stored in, for example, memory 54 at the UE 22, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the UE 22. The software 56 may be executable by the processing circuitry 50. The software 56 may include a client application 58. The client application 58 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the UE 22.

[0119] The processing circuitry 50 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by UE 22. The processor 52 corresponds to one or more processors 52 for performing UE 22 functions described herein. The UE 22 includes memory 54 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 56 and / or the client application 58 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 52 and / or processing circuitry 50, causes the processor 52 and / or processing circuitry 50 to perform the processes described herein with respect to UE 22. For example, the processing circuitry 50 of the user equipment 22 may include a UE management unit 26 which is configured to perform any step and / or task and / or process and / or method and / or feature described in the present disclosure, e.g., UE functions

[0120] In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node 16 and UE 22 may be as shown in FIG. 3 and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 2.

[0121] The wireless connection 32 between the UE 22 and the network node 16 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. More precisely, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve the data rate, latency, and / or power consumption and thereby provide benefits such as reduced user waiting time, relaxed restriction on file size, better responsiveness, extended battery lifetime, etc. In some embodiments, a measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve.

[0122] Although FIGS. 2 and 3 show various “units” such as node management unit 24 and UE management unit 26 as being within a respective processor, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process in in a UE 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The UE 22 includes at least a first searcher 60 and a second searcher 60, where the first searcher 60 and the second searcher 60 are configured for performing signal measurements. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of UE 22 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 50 (including the UE management unit 26), processor 52, and / or radio interface 46 and / or searchers 60. User equipment 22 such as via processing circuitry 50 and / or processor 52 and / or radio interface 46 is configured to receive (Block SI 00) a first indication indicating one or more prioritization of component carriers lists (PCLs) associated with one or more reference signals to be measured using one or both of the first searcher 60 and second searcher 60. The reference signals are provided by one or more component carriers (CCs). The UE 22 is also configured to perform (Block SI 02) one or more actions based on the PCL(s).

[0123] In some embodiments, the one or more actions include performing, using the first searcher 60, one or more first measurements of on primary carriers or cells and / or performing, using the second searcher 60, one or more second measurements of on other carriers or cells.

[0124] In some other embodiments, the one or more PCLs indicate(s) to the UE 22 the one or more CCs that are applicable to one or more of: (A) a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher 60; (B) the specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher 60; (C) the specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher 60; (D) the specified resource percentage X% of all searchers 60; (E) another specified resource percentage Xl% of the first searcher 60 and X2 % of the second searcher 60; and (F) a dedicated searcher 60 of the at least one of the first searcher 60 and the second searcher 60.

[0125] In some embodiments, one or both of: (A) the one or more PCLs correspond to a dedicated UE 22 or a dedicated UE group; and (B) the one or more PCLs indicate to the UE a frequency range.

[0126] In some other embodiments, the method further includes one or more of: (A) switching between applying the one or more PCLs and applying a carrier specific scaling factor (CSSF) rule; (B) applying the one or more PCLs to measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE 22 is applying the CSSF rule; and (C) applying the CSSF rule to the measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE 22 is applying the one or more PCLs.

[0127] In some embodiments, the method further includes one or both of: (A) receiving a second indication of a timer or time window associated with the one or more PCLs, where at least one PCL is valid for the UE 22 while the timer is running or within the time window; and (B) applying at least one PCL to the measurement of the one or more CC with respect to a time instant when the UE 22 receives a PCL configured and / or is indicated by a command and / or is indicated by the time instant.

[0128] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node 16. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 36 (including the node management unit 24), processor 38, and / or radio interface 30. Network node 16 such as via processing circuitry 36 and / or processor 38 and / or radio interface 30 is configured to determine (Block SI 04) a first indication indicating one or more prioritization of component carriers lists (PCLs) associated with one or more reference signals to be measured using one or both of the first searcher 60 and second searcher 60. The reference signals are provided by one or more component carriers (CCs), and the one or more PCLs are based on one or more parameters. The network node 16 is also configured to transmit (Block SI 06) the first indication to the UE 22.

[0129] In some other embodiments, the one or more PCLs indicates to the UE 22 the one or more CCs that are applicable to one or more of: (A) a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher 60; (B) the specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher 60; (C) the specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher 60; (D) the specified resource percentage X% of all searchers 60; (E) another specified resource percentage Xl% of the first searcher 60 and X2 % of the second searcher 60; and (F) a dedicated searcher 60 of the at least one of the first searcher 60 and the second searcher 60.

[0130] In some embodiments, one or both of: (A) the one or more PCLs correspond to a dedicated UE 22 or a dedicated UE group; and (B) the one or more PCLs indicate to the UE a frequency range.

[0131] In some other embodiments, the method further includes transmitting a second indication of a timer or time window associated with the one or more PCLs, where at least one PCL is valid for the UE 22 while the timer is running or within the time window. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters includes parameters associated with information about CCs, cells, cell activation, cell measurements, CC measurements, cell activation, prioritization of cell activation, communication resources, MOs, searchers 60, UEs 22, network nodes 16, etc.

[0132] Resource percentages X and / or Y may assume any value between 0 and 100 (e.g. 50 or 100).

[0133] In an embodiment thereto, the PCI indicates to UE 22 to use a searcher only to measure (and report) selected CCs. E.g. for X=100 and an indication that the UE should prioritize selected primary CCs (i.e. a subset of all primary CCs being configured), the UE uses the first searcher to only measure the selected primary CC(s) and refrains from measuring the other configured primary CCs. Accordingly, UE 22 may only report measurements of the prioritized primary CC(s).

[0134] Similarly, e.g. if X=100 is indicated with respect to the second searcher, and if it is indicated that UE22 should prioritize selected secondary CCs (i.e. a subset of all secondary CCs being configured), the UE only measures the selected secondary CC(s) and refrains from measuring the other configured secondary CCs. Accordingly, UE 22 may only reports measurements of the prioritized secondary CC(s).

[0135] In an embodiment, the PCL comprises both the priority information with respect to the configured CCs (primary CCs and / or secondary CCs) and the resource percentage (of the first / and / or second searcher) that shall be dedicated to each the prioritized CCs.

[0136] Alternatively, the indication(s) of the resource percentage to be used for measuring the prioritized CCs may be control message(s) differently received by UE 22 from network node 16, or may be autonomously determined by UE 22 (e.g. using fixed or semifixed percentage values).

[0137] In accordance with an embodiment, the method further includes one or more of switching between applying the PCL and applying a carrier specific scaling factor, CSSF, rule; applying the PCL to measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE 22 is applying the CSSF rule; and applying the CSSF rule to the measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE 22 is applying the PCL.

[0138] In accordance with an embodiment, the method further includes one or both of receiving a second indication of a timer or time window associated with the PCL, the PCL being valid for the UE while the timer is running or within the time window; and applying the PCL to the measurement of the one or more CC with respect to a time instant when the UE 22 receives a PCL configured and / or is indicated by a command and / or is indicated by the time instant.

[0139] In accordance with an embodiment, the PCL is one of a first PCL type and second PCL type, the first PCL type being associated with measurements on deactivated cells 18 and the second PCL type being associated with measurements on active cells 18.

[0140] In accordance with an embodiment, the method further comprises transmitting capability information to the network node, the capability information comprising a quantity of searchers 60 available to the UE, the quantity of searchers 60 being at least two; receiving, from the network node 16, radio resource control, RRC, reconfiguration information indicating one or more measurement objects for a cell 18 serving the UE 22 and for neighbor cells 18; the measurement objects corresponding to the reference signals to be measured as indicated in the received PCL to be performed by the quantity of searchers 60; and the one or more actions comprising: performing the measurements using at least the first searcher 60 and the second searcher 60; and reporting the measurements to the network node 16.

[0141] At least one UE 22 may be configured to operate in a first cell (which may be a PCell) served by a first network node 16, and / or operating in a second cell (which may be a SCell in CA operation or SPCell in DC operation) served by the network node 16 pr a second network node 16. The first network node 16 may configure the MOs to UE by RRC configuration, in which, there may be more than one second cell.

[0142] UE 22 may perform measurements on one or more intra-frequencies and / or interfrequencies based on the configured MOs. The intra-frequency includes a serving cell and one or more neighbor cells in the same frequency. The inter-frequency may also include neighbor cells, e.g., on CC including serving carrier and / or one or more additional carriers configured for measurements.

[0143] UE 22 may include at least two searchers 60 for measurements, where one of the searchers 60 is used for the measurements on the primary carriers or cells, and another searcher 60 for other carriers. The searchers 60 may be used for measuring one or more additional carriers or cells (e.g. PCell and / or SCells) such as to speed up the measurements. Some embodiments provide a method in UE 22. The method includes informing network node 16 about a UE capability regarding the number of searchers 60 and receiving a configuration such as an RRC reconfiguration including one or more MOs for serving cell measurements and neighbor cell measurements. The method also includes receiving one or more of prioritization criteria associated with one or more additional searchers 60 for performing the measurement using one more searchers 60 supported by the UE 22. Further, the method includes reporting the measurements to network node 16.

[0144] In one embodiment, the UE 22 informing the network node 16 about the UE capability on a number of searchers 60 may be though a dedicated capability information. In some other embodiments, the information on UE searcher 60 may be an implicit indication. In one example, if UE 22 supports a feature, then the number of searchers 60 supported by UE 22 can be assumed as XI. In other example, if UE 22 supports a certain release, then the number of searchers supported by UE 22 can be assumed as X2. In some examples, a baseline searcher assumption is 1, and the UE may indicate additional searchers 60 the UE 22 supports.

[0145] In some embodiments, prioritization criteria for performing the measurement includes prioritization of certain CC(s) list (PCL) together with a prioritized ratio (PR) related to or associated with reference signals (including SSB and configuration with SMTC and MG) to be measured and reported provided by one or more than one component carrier (CC) which is configured by the serving cell. The network node 16 may indicate the PCL together with the PR. The PCL can include PCC, PSCC, active SCells or deactivated SCells, etc. The prioritized CCs can be measured outside an MG. The said PCL is associated with one or more additional searchers based on the capability information received in previous step.

[0146] In one example, the PCL information indication by network node 16 to UE 22 can be applied one or multiple searchers 60. In another example, there is one to one association between PCL and searcher 60. In a specific example, a first PCL is applied for measurements using a first searcher 60, a second PCL is applied for measurements using a second searcher 60, etc., assuming that the UE 22 is capable of at least three searchers 60 in this nonlimiting example. The PR can be as equally sharing among CCs or different sharing ratio among CCs.

[0147] In one example, the PCL indicates the UE 22 CC(s) applying a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher. If there is only one prioritized CC, then the CSSF of the CC is 1 / a. If there are more than one prioritized CC, then the CSSF one CC among the prioritized CCs is N / a, a being the fraction corresponding to X %, N being the number of the prioritized CCs.

[0148] In another example, the PCL indicates to UE 22 the CC(s) additionally applying a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher, over the originally assigned resource percentage of the second searcher covering the CC(s). If there is only one prioritized CC, then the CSSF of the CC is l / (a+l / CSSF_original). If there are more than one prioritized CC, then the CSSF one CC among the prioritized CCs is N / (a+l / CSSF_original), where a is the fraction corresponding to X %, N is the number of the prioritized CCs, CSSF original is the originally assigned CSSF for the CC.

[0149] In one example, the PCL indicates to UE 22 the CC(s) applying a specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher 60. Then, the other CCs (served by the second searcher 60) consequently apply (1- X)% of second searcher 60. If there is only one prioritized CC, then the CSSF of the CC is 1 / a. If there are more than one prioritized CC, then the CSSF one CC among the prioritized CCs is N / a, where a is the fraction corresponding to X %, and N is the number of the prioritized CCs.

[0150] In one example, the PCL indicates to UE 22 the CC(s) applying a specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher 60. Then, the other CCs (served by the second searcher 60) consequently apply (1- X)% of Y % of the second searcher 60. If there is only one prioritized CC, then the CSSF of the CC is l / (a*b). If there are more than one prioritized CC, then the CSSF of one CC among the prioritized CCs is N / (a*b), where a is the fraction corresponding to X %, b is the fraction corresponding to Y%, and Y% is the allocated percentage of the second searcher for the CCs involved. N is the number of the prioritized CCs.

[0151] In another example, the PCL indicates the UE 22 the CC(s) applying a specified resource percentage X% of all searchers 60, e.g., X% of (the first searcher 60 + the second searcher 60). Then, the other CCs consequently apply (1- X)% of all searchers 60. If there is only one prioritized CC, then the CSSF of the CC is l / (M*a). If there are more than one prioritized CC, then the CSSF of one CC among the prioritized CCs is N / (M*a), where a is the fraction corresponding to X %, N is the number of the prioritized CCs, M is the number of searchers 60.

[0152] In one example, the PCL indicates to UE 22 the CC(s) applying a specified resource percentage XI % of the first searcher and X2 % of the second searcher 60. Then, the other CCs consequently apply (1-X1)% of the first searcher 60 and (1-X2)%of the second searcher 60. If there is only one prioritized CC, then the CSSF of the CC is l / (al+a2). If there are more than one prioritized CC, then the CSSF of one CC among the prioritized CCs is N / (al+a2), where al is the fraction corresponding to XI %, a2 is the fraction corresponding to X2 %, N is the number of the prioritized CCs.

[0153] In another example, the PCL indicates the UE 22 the CC(s) applying to a dedicated searcher (either the first searcher 60 or second searcher 60). Then, the other CCs consequently apply the other searchers 60. The network node 16 can indicate sharing the searchers equally among the configured CCs.

[0154] In another embodiment, prioritization criteria for performing the measurement may include a PCL and the criteria for searcher usage for the PCL. In some examples, the PCL is measured using a specific searchers 60 indicated by the network node 16. The other searchers 60 may follow the pre-defined rule. For example, the legacy CSSF rules can be applied to the remaining CCs not indicated in PCL. For example, if a UE 22 includes three searchers 60 (measurement engines) and the network node 16 indicates one searcher 60 to be used dedicatedly for the CC in PCL, UE 22 may measure CCs using one searcher among the three searchers 60 supported by UE 22. The other CCs not in the PCL and the usage of other searchers may follow the legacy measurement based on legacy measurement sharing rules defined, e.g., using the concept of CSSF.

[0155] In an alternative embodiment, prioritization criteria for performing the measurement may include the prioritized frequency range (e.g., FR1, FR2) instead CC(s) and the searcher selection criteria for frequency range. In one example, the prioritization criteria indicates to UE 22 the frequency range (which may contain more than one CC) applying a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher 60. In another example, the prioritization criteria indicates to UE 22 the frequency range (which may include more than one CC) applying a specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher 60. Then, the other CCs (served by the second searcher) consequently applies (1- X)% of second searcher 60. In one example, the prioritization criteria indicates to UE 22 the frequency range (which may include more than one CC) applying a specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher 60. Then, the other CCs (served by the second searcher 60) consequently apply (1- X)% of Y % of the second searcher 60. In one other example, the prioritization criteria indicates to UE 22 the frequency range (which may include more than one CC) applying a specified resource percentage X% of all searchers 60, e.g., X% of (the first searcher 60 + the second searcher 60). Then, the other CCs consequently apply (1- X)% of all searchers 60. In another example, the prioritization criteria indicates to UE 22 the frequency range (which may include more than one CC) applying a specified resource percentage XI % of the first searcher 60 and X2 %of the second searcher 60. Then, the other CCs consequently apply (1-X1)% of the first searcher 60 and (1-X2)% of the second searcher 60. In one other example, the prioritization criteria indicates to UE 22 the frequency range (which may include more than one CC) applying a dedicated searcher 60 (either the first searcher 60 or second searcher 60). Then, the other CCs consequently the other searcher(s) 60.

[0156] In the above examples, PR is represented by the resource percentage of the second searcher 60, e.g., X%, not only limited by that, PR can be represented by other formats, e.g., the ratio between prioritized CC(s) or frequency range and unprioritized CC(s) or frequency range.

[0157] In the above examples, PR or ratio of a searcher 60 is referred to the shared factor of the intended CC(s) of in a baseline cell identification, measurement operation operated by the UE 22.

[0158] In one example, if a CC applies 50% of a searcher 60, then the cell identification, measurement delay for the CC is 2 times of the baseline delay.

[0159] In one example, if a CC applies 75% of a searcher 60, then the cell identification, measurement delay for the CC is 4 / 3 times of the baseline delay.

[0160] In one example, if a CC applies 100% of a searcher 60 or applies an entire searcher 60, then the cell identification, measurement delay for the CC equals to the baseline delay.

[0161] In another embodiment, prioritization criteria for performing the measurement may include the measurement status of a carrier or cell and the criteria for searcher usage for the measurement status.

[0162] In some examples, measurement status may refer to an undetected carrier or cell. If the carrier was measured within the last X seconds, the carrier is referred to as detected, otherwise it may be referred to as undetected.

[0163] In this example, UE 22 allocates or measures the undetected carrier or cell using one dedicated searcher 60. The other searchers 60 may follow the pre-defined rule. For example, the legacy CSSF rules can be applied to the remaining CCs not indicated in PCL.

[0164] In another example, if a UE 22 includes three searchers and the network node 16 indicates one searcher 60 to be used dedicatedly for the undetected cells or carriers using prioritization information, UE 22 measures undetected carrier using one searcher 60 among the three searchers 60 supported by UE 22. The other CCs which do not satisfy the prioritization criteria may follow the legacy measurement based on legacy measurement sharing rules define e.g., using concept of CSSF.

[0165] In another example, prioritization criteria may depend on the type of measurement or type of cell to be measured. In one specific example, one type of PCL is used for measurements on deactivated cells (e.g., deactivated SCell measurements) while another PCL type is used for measurements on activate cells (e.g. activated SCell measurements).

[0166] In another embodiment, the prioritization criteria does not include the exact identities of the CC(s) or frequency range for prioritization. The prioritization criteria indication dedicatedly indicates a predefined CC(s) or frequency range which are to be prioritized or applied with specific searcher(s), e.g., the prioritization criteria dedicatedly indicates prioritization of FR1 with specific searcher(s), or a dedicated prioritization criteria indicates prioritization of FR1 with specific searcher(s) and another dedicated prioritization criteria indicates prioritization of FR2 with specific searcher(s). In the above the indication mentions FR1 and FR2 but it could be extended with additional frequency ranges in the future e.g., centimeter wave spectrum related frequencies and / or tera hertz related frequencies.

[0167] In one embodiment, the PCL indication to the UE 22 is provided by the network node 16 via signaling including system information (MIB or SIB), RRC signaling, MAC CE or LI signaling (e.g., DCI on PDCCH, etc.). The network node 16 signals one or more than one measurement configuration to the UE 22 which includes PCL information. In one example, the RRC information element (IE) concerning measurement configuration explicitly lists PCL information as any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In one example, the RRC IE concerning measurement configuration may have another field, e.g., ‘0’ or ‘ 1’, each indicating PCL appliance on frequency ranges. In one example, the RRC IE concerning measurement configuration may have another field, e.g., ‘0’ or ‘ T, each indicating PCL appliance on multiple CCs at one or more than one frequency bands. In one example, the percentage X% is configurable by the NW. X may be chosen from a candidate list, e.g., 25%, 50% and 75%. In one example, the percentage X% is a predefined or default number, e.g., 50%. In this case, the PCL indication does not need to include the X number. In one particular example, the PCL indicates to UE 22 one or more than one CCs, e.g., CC1 and CC2 in FR1, applying the first searcher 60, one or more than one CCs, e.g., CC3 in FR2, applying the second searcher 60, provided the UE 22 is configured with CCs in FR1 and FR2, e.g., CC1, CC2 in FR1 and CC3 in FR2. In one embodiment, the UE 22 may switch between applying the PCL and applying the existing CSSF, i.e., applying the PCL replacing applying the existing CSSF rule, or the UE 22 may fall back to applying the existing CSSF rule, rather than applying the PCL. The switching can be explicitly or implicitly indicated by network node 16. For example, if network node 16 does not indicate the PCL, UE 22 may follow the legacy CSSF rule. In another example, if network node 16 does not indicate the PR, UE 22 may follow the legacy CSSF rule for cells’ searcher split. In another example, network node 16 can directly indicate to UE 22 to fall back to existing CSSF or to follow or use the new PCL.

[0168] In an embodiment, the UE 22 applies the PCL on the measurement of a CC(s) when certain conditions on the CC(s) are met, provided the UE 22 is applying the existing CSSF rule and has received the PCL on the CC(s). In one example, the UE 22 is configured with a CC belonging to the prioritized CC list or frequency range. In one other example, the UE 22 is configured with a CC belonging to the prioritized CC list or frequency range, and the CC has not been identified or measured at the least in T1 seconds. In one example, the UE 22 detects a new cell, then the UE 22 is to apply the PCL on the measurement of the CC of the cell, i.e., the CC is prioritized, either the CC is contained by the received PCL or not. The case may also be treated as an unknown cell to the UE 22. In one example, the UE 22 is configured with a CC in a frequency range and no other CCs belongs to the same frequency range, then the UE apply the PCL on the CC of cell, i.e., the CC is prioritized, either the CC is contained by the received PCL or not.

[0169] In an embodiment, the UE 22 fallbacks to apply the existing CSSF rule on the measurement of a CC(s) when certain conditions on the CC(s) are met, provided the UE 22 is applying the PCL on the CC(s). In one example, the UE is re-configured with CCs, but none of CC belongs to the prioritized CC list or frequency range. In one example, the UE 22 is configured with a CC belonging to the prioritized CC list or frequency range, and the CC has been identified or measured at the least in T2 seconds. In one example, the UE 22 detects a new cell and after the UE 22 completes the measurement of the CC of the cell, i.e., the cell is known to the UE 22. In one example, the UE 22 is configured with a CC in a frequency range and there is at the least one CC belonging to the same frequency range.

[0170] In one embodiment, the UE 22 applies the PCL on one or more than one CC’s measurement with respect to the time instant when the UE 22 receives the PCL configured and / or indicated by a command or the time instant when the condition for the PCL is met. The PCL command may be received, or the condition is met, in a first slot (slot n) of a serving cell (e.g., a PCell or another already activated SCell), the UE 22 may send an acknowledgement corresponding to reception of the PCL command in a second slot on another serving cell (e.g., of the PCell or another SCell), which may be in a reference slot n+k. The UE 22 may be assumed to apply the PCL starting from the first occasion of SSB that is no earlier than a third slot (n + k + Km), wherein Km is an offset value greater than 0. Km may typically be set to provide MAC CE processing time of about 3ms. The slot numbers can be with reference to the slots used for PUCCH transmissions (e.g., i.e. based on SCS of the cell on which the PUCCH corresponding to the acknowledgment is transmitted.

[0171] In an embodiment, the UE 22 is provided with a timer / time window associated with the PCL additionally, which indicates that the PCL is valid for the UE 22 in the running timer with predefined or configurable threshold or in the time window with predefined or configurable length, otherwise, upon expiration of the timer value, the PCL is not supported instead, and the UE 22 applies legacy CSSF rule. In one example, the start time of timer or time window is defined with absolute time, e.g. timer / time window is started from an absolute time instant. In one example, the starting timer / time window is set along with / triggered by a pre-defined operation, e.g. signaling indicating the PCL. In one example, the time / time timer is pre-defined. Once receiving the PCL or the condition for the PCL is met, the UE 22 starts the time / timer. In one example, the starting timer / time window is determined by the UE 22.

[0172] For a UE 22, there may be more than one PCL provided. In one case, there are multiple PCLs, and each PCL indicate the measurement rule as per one or more than one CC or frequency band. In another case, there is one PCL including more than one item, and each item indicates the measurement rule as per one or more CCs or frequency bands.

[0173] In one embodiment, the UE 22 is configured with a higher number of searchers (e.g., three searchers 60). In this case, the UE 22 may be able to use PCL on the searcher(s), 60 other than the first searcher 60 and second searcher 60. In this case, all the embodiments may be equally applicable. In one example, the PCL indicates to UE 22 the CC(s) or the frequency range (which may contain more than one CC) applying the third searcher 60 besides of the first and second searchers 60. In one particular example, the PCL indicates to UE 22 one or more CCs in FR1, e.g., CC1 in FR1 applying the third searcher; one or more CCs in FR1, e.g., CC2 in FR1 applying the second searcher 60; one or more CCs in FR2, e.g., CC3 in FR2 applying the third searcher 60, provided the UE 22 is configured with CCs in FR1 and FR2, e.g., CC1, CC2 in FR1 and CC3 in FR2. In one particular example, the PCL indicates one searcher 60 for PCC, one searcher 60 for other SCCs and frequency layers following legacy equally sharing. One additional searcher 60 is used for the specific PCC / PSCC / SCCs based on the network node indication. The network node 16 indicates the cell list which applied the measurement by the additional searcher.

[0174] In some embodiments, the prioritization criteria associated with one or more additional searchers 60 for performing the measurement using one more searcher 60 supported by the UE 22 is received in a RRC message (e.g., RRCReconfiguration). Such a configuration may include an explicit indication of which frequencies are assigned for a given searcher. In one such embodiment, a list of frequencies is configured per searcher. For example, the network node 16 may include frequency- 1, frequency -2 and frequency-3 to be assigned to a first searcher 60 (searcher- 1) and a fourth searcher 60 (frequency -4), and a fifth searcher 60 (frequency-5) to be assigned to the second searcher 60 (searcher-2).

[0175] In another embodiment, a list of frequency ranges is configured per searcher 60. For example, the network node 16 may include FR1 frequencies to be assigned to a first searcher 60 and FR2 frequencies to be assigned to the second searcher 60.

[0176] In other embodiments, each measurement object configured to the UE 22 may also include an indication of which searcher 60 is expected to be used by the UE 22.

[0177] In some embodiments, the configuration of the searcher 60 to frequencies may be based on the configuration of an absolute number that indicates to the UE 22 regarding how many frequencies are assigned per searcher 60. For example, the network node 16 may configure a UE 22 with 5 inter-frequency measurements and indicate that the first searcher 60 is to be assigned with two frequencies and the second searcher 60 is to be assigned with three frequencies.

[0178] Further, which frequencies to consider per searcher 60 in such a configuration may involve implicit or explicit methods. In one such implicit method, the UE 22 uses the first two object identifiers (measObjectIDs) in the list of configured identities (measObj ectIdentities) to identify the frequencies that are to use the first searcher 60 and the next three measObjectIDs in the list of configured measObj ectIdentities that are to use the second searcher 60. In other such implicit methods, the measIDs are used instead of measObjectIDs, i.e., the UE 22 uses the first two measIDs in the list of configured measlds to identify the frequencies that are to use the first searcher 60 and the next three measIDs in the list of configured measIDs that are to use the second searcher 60. One example, the PCL is configured by the measurement configuration related IES (e.g., measObject or in measConfig). An example implementation is provided below. In this example, if the UE 22 is configured with FR1 as the entry in PCLPriorityList, then the

[0179] UE 22 treats FR1 frequencies as the priority.

[0180] MeasConfig ::= SEQUENCE { measObj ectToRemoveList MeasObj ectToRemoveList OPTIONAL,

[0181] - Need N measObj ectToAddModList MeasObj ectToAddModList OPTIONAL,

[0182] - Need N reportConfigT oRemoveLi st ReportConfigToRemoveList OPTIONAL,

[0183] - Need N reportConfigT o AddModLi st ReportConfigTo AddModLi st OPTIONAL

[0184] - Need N measIdToRemoveList MeasIdToRemoveList OPTIONAL, —

[0185] Need N measIdT o AddModLi st MeasIdTo AddModLi st OPTIONAL, -

[0186] Need N s-MeasureConfig CHOICE { ssb-RSRP RSRP -Range, csi-RSRP RSRP -Range

[0187] } OPTIONAL, - Need M quantityConfig QuantityConfig OPTIONAL, — Need M measGapConfig MeasGapConfig OPTIONAL, — Need

[0188] M measGapSharingConfig MeasGapSharingConfig OPTIONAL, —

[0189] Need M

[0190] PCLPriorityList PCLList OPTIONAL

[0191] }

[0192] MeasObj ectToRemoveList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (L.maxNrofObjectld)) OF

[0193] MeasObj ectld

[0194] MeasIdToRemoveList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (L.maxNrofMeasId)) OF Measld ReportConfigToRemoveList ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (E.maxReportConfigld)) OF ReportConfigld

[0195] Some embodiments may include the following:

[0196] Embodiment Al . A method implemented in a user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a network node, the UE comprising at least a first searcher and a second searcher, the first searcher and the second searcher being configured for performing signal measurements, the method comprising: receiving a first indication indicating one or more prioritization of component carriers lists (PCLs) associated with one or more reference signals to be measured using one or both of the first searcher and second searcher, the reference signals being provided by one or more component carriers (CCs); and performing one or more actions based on the PCLs.

[0197] Embodiments A2. The method of Embodiment Al, wherein the one or more actions include one or both of: performing, using the first searcher, one or more first measurements of on primary carriers or cells; and performing, using the second searcher, one or more second measurements of on other carriers or cells.

[0198] Embodiment A3. The method of any one of Embodiments Al and A2, wherein the one or more PCLs indicates to the UE the one or more CCs that are applicable to one or more of: a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of all searchers; another specified resource percentage Xl% of the first searcher and X2 % of the second searcher; and a dedicated searcher of the at least one of the first searcher and the second searcher. Embodiment A4. The method of any one of Embodiments A1-A3, wherein one or both of: the one or more PCLs correspond to a dedicated UE or a dedicated UE group; and the one or more PCLs indicate to the LIE a frequency range.

[0199] Embodiment A5. The method of any one of Embodiments A1-A4, wherein the method further includes one or more of: switching between applying the one or more PCLs and applying a carrier specific scaling factor (CSSF) rule; applying the one or more PCLs to measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE is applying the CSSF rule; and applying the CSSF rule to the measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE is applying the one or more PCLs.

[0200] Embodiment A6. The method of any one of Embodiments A1-A5, wherein the method further includes one or both of: receiving a second indication of a timer or time window associated with the one or more PCLs, at least one PCL being valid for the UE while the timer is running or within the time window; and applying at least one PCL to the measurement of the one or more CC with respect to a time instant when the UE receives a PCL configured and / or is indicated by a command and / or is indicated by the time instant.

[0201] Embodiment BL A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a network node, the UE comprising at least a first searcher and a second searcher, the first searcher and the second searcher being configured for performing signal measurements, the UE being configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or comprising processing circuitry configured to perform one or more of the steps corresponding to any one of Embodiments A1-A6.

[0202] Embodiment CL A method implemented in a network node configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE), the UE comprising at least a first searcher and a second searcher, the first searcher and the second searcher being configured for performing signal measurements, the method comprising: determining a first indication indicating one or more prioritization of component carriers lists (PCLs) associated with one or more reference signals to be measured using one or both of the first searcher and second searcher, the reference signals being provided by one or more component carriers (CCs), the one or more PCLs being based on one or more parameters; and transmitting the first indication to the UE.

[0203] Embodiments C2. The method of Embodiment Cl, wherein the one or more PCLs indicates to the UE the one or more CCs that are applicable to one or more of a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher; the specified resource percentage X% of all searchers; another specified resource percentage Xl% of the first searcher and X2 % of the second searcher; and a dedicated searcher of the at least one of the first searcher and the second searcher.

[0204] Embodiment C3. The method of any one of Embodiments Cl and C2, wherein one or both of the one or more PCLs correspond to a dedicated UE or a dedicated UE group; and the one or more PCLs indicate to the UE a frequency range.

[0205] Embodiment C4. The method of any one of Embodiments C1-C3, wherein the method further includes one or both of transmitting a second indication of a timer or time window associated with the one or more PCLs, at least one PCL being valid for the UE while the timer is running or within the time window.

[0206] Embodiment DI . A network node configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE), the UE comprising at least a first searcher and a second searcher, the first searcher and the second searcher being configured for performing signal measurements, the network node being configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or comprising processing circuitry configured to perform one or more of the steps corresponding to any one of Embodiments C1-C4.

[0207] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system, computer program product and / or computer storage media storing an executable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.” Any process, step, action and / or functionality described herein may be performed by, and / or associated to, a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Furthermore, the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0208] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to thereby create a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0209] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0210] It is to be understood that the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.

[0211] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Python, Java® or C++. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0212] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method implemented in a user equipment (22), UE, configured to communicate with a network node (16), the UE comprising at least a first searcher and a second searcher (60), the first searcher (60) and the second searcher (60) being configured for performing signal measurements, the method comprising: receiving (SI 08) a first indication indicating one or more prioritization of component carriers in a prioritization of component carriers list, PCL, associated with one or more reference signals to be measured using one or both of the first searcher (60) and second searcher (60), the reference signals being provided by one or more component carriers, CCs; and performing (SI 10) one or more actions based on the PCL.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the one or more actions include one or both of: performing, using the first searcher (60), one or more first measurements of primary carriers or cells (18); and performing, using the second searcher (60), one or more second measurements of other carriers or cells (18).

3. The method of any one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the PCL indicates to the UE (22) the one or more CCs that are applicable to one or more of: a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher (60); the specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher (60); the specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher (60); the specified resource percentage X% of all searchers (60); another specified resource percentage Xl% of the first searcher (60) and X2 % of the second searcher (60); and a dedicated searcher (60) of the at least one of the first searcher (60) and the second searcher.

4. The method of any one of Claims 1-3, wherein one or both of: the PCL corresponds to a dedicated UE (22) or a dedicated UE group; and the PCL indicates a frequency range to the UE.

5. The method of any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the method further includes one or more of: switching between applying the PCL and applying a carrier specific scaling factor, CSSF, rule; applying the PCL to measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE is applying the CSSF rule; and applying the CSSF rule to the measurements of the one or more CCs when one or more conditions related to the one or more CC are met and the UE (22) is applying the PCL.

6. The method of any one of Claims 1-5, wherein the method further includes one or both of: receiving a second indication of a timer or time window associated with the PCL, the PCL being valid for the UE while the timer is running or within the time window; and applying the PCL to the measurement of the one or more CC with respect to a time instant when the UE (22) receives a PCL configured and / or is indicated by a command and / or is indicated by the time instant.

7. The method of any one of Claims 1-6, wherein the PCL is one of a first PCL type and second PCL type, the first PCL type being associated with measurements on deactivated cells (18) and the second PCL type being associated with measurements on active cells (18).

8. The method of any one of Claims 1-7, further comprising: transmitting capability information to the network node, the capability information comprising a quantity of searchers (60) available to the UE (22), the quantity of searchers (60) being at least two; receiving, from the network node, radio resource control, RRC, reconfiguration information indicating one or more measurement objects for a cell (18) serving the UE (22) and for neighbor cells (18); the measurement objects corresponding to the reference signals to be measured as indicated in the received PCL to be performed by the quantity of searchers (60); andthe one or more actions comprising: performing the measurements using at least the first searcher (60) and the second searcher (60); and reporting the measurements to the network node (16).

9. A user equipment (22), UE, configured to communicate with a network node (16), the UE (22) comprising at least a first searcher (60) and a second searcher (60), the first searcher (60) and the second searcher (60) being configured for performing signal measurements, the UE (22) being configured to perform one or more of the steps corresponding to any one of Claims 1-8.

10. A method implemented in a network node (16) configured to communicate with a user equipment (22), UE, the UE (22) comprising at least a first searcher (60) and a second searcher (60), the first searcher (60) and the second searcher (60) being configured for performing signal measurements, the method comprising: determining (SI 12) a first indication indicating a prioritization of component carriers list, PCL, associated with one or more reference signals to be measured using one or both of the first searcher (60) and second searcher (60), the reference signals being provided by one or more component carriers, CCs, the one or more PCLs being based on one or more parameters; and transmitting (SI 14) the first indication to the UE (22).

11. The method of Claim 10, wherein the PCL indicates to the UE (22) the one or more CCs that are applicable to one or more of: a specified resource percentage X% of the first searcher (60); the specified resource percentage X% of the second searcher (60); the specified resource percentage X% of Y% of the second searcher (60); the specified resource percentage X% of all searchers (60); another specified resource percentage Xl% of the first searcher (60) and X2 % of the second searcher (60); and a dedicated searcher (60) of the at least one of the first searcher (60) and the second searcher.

12. The method of any one of Claims 10 and 11, wherein one or both of:the PCLs corresponds to a dedicated UE (22) or a dedicated UE group; and the PCLs indicates a frequency range to the LE (22).

13. The method of any one of Claims 10-12, wherein the method further includes: transmitting a second indication of a timer or time window associated with the PCL, the PCL being valid for the UE (22) while the timer is running or within the time window.

14. The method of any one of Claims 10-13, wherein the PCL is one of a first PCL type and second PCL type, the first PCL type being associated with measurements on deactivated cells (18) and the second PCL type being associated with measurements on active cells (18).

15. The method of any one of Claims 10-14, further comprising: receiving capability information from the UE (22), the capability information comprising a quantity of searchers (60) available to the UE (22), the quantity of searchers (60) being at least two; and transmitting, to the UE (22), radio resource control, RRC, reconfiguration information indicating one or more measurement objects for a cell (18) serving the UE (22) and for neighbor cells (18), the measurement objects corresponding to the reference signals to be measured as indicated in the received PCL to be performed by the quantity of searchers (60).

16. A network node (16) configured to communicate with a user equipment, UE (22), the UE (22) comprising at least a first searcher (60) and a second searcher (60), the first searcher (60) and the second searcher (60) being configured for performing signal measurements, the network node (16) being configured to perform one or more of the steps corresponding to any one of Claims 10-15.

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