Wake-up signal-triggered actions

Abstract

Example embodiments relate to devices, methods and computer programs relating to wake-up signals, WUSs, and to performing or refraining from performing at least one action that may be triggered upon receipt of at least one WUS based on evaluation of at least one condition. For example, the method may comprise receiving, from a second apparatus, at least one wake-up signal, WUS, wherein the at least one WUS is associated with at least one action, evaluating, in response to receiving the at least one WUS, at least one condition associated with the at least one action and performing, or refrain from performing, the at least one action based on the evaluation.

Description

[0001] WAKE-UP SIGNAL -TRIGGERED ACTIONS

[0002] Field

[0003] Example embodiments may relate to devices, methods and computer programs relating to wake-up signals, WUSs, and to performing or refraining from performing at least one action that may be triggered upon receipt of at least one WUS based on evaluation of at least one condition.

[0004] Background

[0005] Wake-up signals (WUS), sometimes referred to as low-power WUSs, are used in radio access technologies (RATs) for energy-saving purposes. A WUS may, for example, be transmitted by a network node to a user device to wake-up the user device from a relatively low power state when data is ready to be transmitted by the network node to the user device.

[0006] Summary

[0007] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0008] A first aspect provides a first apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive, from a second apparatus, at least one wake-up signal, WUS, wherein the at least one WUS is associated with at least one action; evaluate, in response to receiving the at least one WUS, at least one condition associated with the at least one action; and perform, or refrain from performing, the at least one action based on the evaluation.

[0009] In some example embodiments, the at least one action comprises at least one of: performing a measurement on at least one reference signal (RS) according to a measurement configuration; transmitting a measurement report according to a measurement and reporting configuration; transmitting data to the second apparatus according to a configured grant, CG, configuration; or transmitting or receiving data from the second apparatus according to a semi-persistent scheduling, SPS, configuration. In some example embodiments, the at least one action is performed responsive to at least evaluating that an amount of data associated with performing the at least one action is above a first threshold.

[0010] In some example embodiments, the data comprises at least one of: data of a predetermined type; or data associated with predetermined quality of service (QoS) characteristic.

[0011] In some example embodiments, the at least one action is performed responsive to at least evaluating that an energy level of the first apparatus is above a second threshold.

[0012] In some example embodiments, wherein the action comprises transmitting a measurement report to the second apparatus, the at least one processor and the at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus to: measure at least one RS according to the measurement and reporting configuration; and wherein the measurement report is transmitted to the second apparatus in response to evaluating at least one of: a first time period has elapsed from a reference time; or at least one parameter derived from the at least one RS measurement has changed by a third threshold amount with respect to a previous measurement.

[0013] In some example embodiments, the reference time comprises at least one of: a time of transmitting a previous measurement report; or an end time of a previous discontinuous reception, DRX, active period.

[0014] In some example embodiments, the at least one parameter comprises at least one of: reference signal receive power, RSRP; delay spread; or number of dominant paths.

[0015] In some example embodiments, the measurement report comprises at least one of: a channel state information, CSI, measurement report; or a positioning reference signal, PRS, measurement report.

[0016] In some example embodiments, the at least one processor and the at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus at least to: obtain at least one of: association information indicating an association between the at least one WUS and the at least one action; or the at least one condition associated with the at least one action, wherein the at least one of the association information or the at least one condition is received, from the, or another second apparatus, or is predefined.

[0017] In some example embodiments, the association information indicates at least one of: a quasi co-location, QCL, indicator associated with the at least one RS, or an allocation of time and frequency resources for receiving the at least one RS. In some example embodiments, the allocation of time and frequency resources is indicated as an offset from a time and a frequency of receiving the at least one WUS, respectively. In some example embodiments, the allocation of frequency resources is indicated relative to at least one of: a bandwidth part, BWP, of a channel between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; or a sub-band associated with the at least one WUS.

[0018] In some example embodiments, the association information indicates a plurality of WUSs associated with different respective actions.

[0019] In some example embodiments, the at least one processor and the at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus to: transition to a low-power state after performing the at least one action.

[0020] A second aspect provides a method, for example of a first apparatus, comprising: receiving, from a second apparatus, at least one wake-up signal, WUS, wherein the at least one WUS is associated with at least one action; evaluating, in response to receiving the at least one WUS, at least one condition associated with the at least one action; and performing, or refrain from performing, the at least one action based on the evaluation. In some examples, the second aspect may comprise other features relating to the first aspect.

[0021] A third aspect provides a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program instructions are executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out a method of: receiving, from a second apparatus, at least one wake-up signal, WUS, wherein the at least one WUS is associated with at least one action; evaluating, in response to receiving the at least one WUS, at least one condition associated with the at least one action; and performing, or refrain from performing, the at least one action based on the evaluation. In some examples, the third aspect may comprise other features relating to the first aspect. A fourth aspect provides a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program instructions are executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out a method of: receiving, from a second apparatus, at least one wake-up signal, WUS, wherein the at least one WUS is associated with at least one action; evaluating, in response to receiving the at least one WUS, at least one condition associated with the at least one action; and performing, or refrain from performing, the at least one action based on the evaluation. In some examples, the fourth aspect may comprise other features relating to the first aspect.

[0022] A fifth aspect provides an apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a second apparatus, at least one wake-up signal, WUS, wherein the at least one WUS is associated with at least one action; means for evaluating, in response to receiving the at least one WUS, at least one condition associated with the at least one action; and means for performing, or refrain from performing, the at least one action based on the evaluation. In some examples, the fifth aspect may comprise other features relating to the first aspect

[0023] A sixth aspect provides second apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to: transmit, to a first apparatus, at least one of: association information indicating an association between at least one wake-up signal, WUS, and at least one action; or at least one condition associated with at least one action associated with at least one WUS; transmit, to the first apparatus, the at least one WUS; and receive a measurement report of at least one reference signal (RS) from, receive data from, or transmit data to, the first apparatus.

[0024] In some example embodiments, the receiving the measurement report, receiving the data or transmitting the data results from performance of the at least one action associated with the at least one WUS based on an evaluation of the, or another at least one condition associated with the at least one action.

[0025] In some example embodiments, the at least one action comprises at least one of: performing, by the first apparatus, a measurement on the at least one RS according to a measurement configuration; transmitting, by the first apparatus, a measurement report according to a measurement and reporting configuration; transmitting, by the first apparatus, data according to a configured grant, CG, configuration; or transmitting or receiving, by the first apparatus, data according to of a semi-persistent scheduling, SPS, configuration.

[0026] In some example embodiments, the at least one action is performed responsive to at least an evaluation by the first apparatus that an amount of data associated with performing the at least one action is above a first threshold.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the data comprises at least one of: data of a predetermined type; or data associated with predetermined quality of service (QoS) characteristic.

[0028] In some example embodiments, the at least one action is performed responsive to at least an evaluation by the first apparatus that an energy level of the first apparatus is above a second threshold.

[0029] In some example embodiments, the measurement report is received from the first apparatus in response to the at least one RS measurement according to a measurement configuration and evaluating at least one of: a first time period has elapsed from a reference time; or at least one parameter derived from the at least one RS measurement has changed by a third threshold amount with respect to a previous measurement.

[0030] In some example embodiments, the reference time comprises at least one of: a time of transmitting a previous measurement report; or an end time of a previous discontinuous reception, DRX, active period.

[0031] In some example embodiments, the at least one parameter comprises at least one of: reference signal receive power, RSRP; delay spread; or number of dominant paths.

[0032] In some example embodiments, the measurement report comprises at least one of: a channel state information, CSI, measurement report; or a positioning reference signal, PRS, measurement report.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the association information indicates at least one of a quasi colocation, QCL, indicator associated with the at least one RS, or an allocation of time and frequency resources for receiving the at least one RS. In some example embodiments, the allocation of time and frequency resources is indicated as an offset from a time and a frequency of receiving the at least one WUS, respectively. In some example embodiments, the allocation of frequency resources is indicated relative to at least one of: a bandwidth part, BWP, of a channel between the second apparatus and the first apparatus; or a sub-band associated with the at least one WUS.

[0034] In some example embodiments, the association information indicates a plurality of WUSs associated with different respective actions.

[0035] In some example embodiments, the at least one processor and the at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the second apparatus to: transmit, to the first apparatus, an indication for causing the first apparatus to transition to a low-power state after performing the at least one action.

[0036] A seventh aspect provides a method of a second apparatus comprising: transmitting, to a first apparatus, at least one of: association information indicating an association between at least one wake-up signal, WUS, and at least one action; or at least one condition associated with at least one action associated with at least one WUS; transmitting, to the first apparatus, the at least one WUS; and receiving a measurement report of at least one reference signal (RS) from, receiving data from, or transmitting data to, the first apparatus. In some examples, the seventh aspect may comprise other features relating to the sixth aspect.

[0037] An eighth aspect provides a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program instructions are executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out a method of: transmitting, to a first apparatus, at least one of: association information indicating an association between at least one wake-up signal, WUS, and at least one action; or at least one condition associated with at least one action associated with at least one WUS; transmitting, to the first apparatus, the at least one WUS; and receiving a measurement report of at least one reference signal (RS) from, receiving data from, or transmitting data to, the first apparatus. In some examples, the eight aspect may comprise other features relating to the sixth aspect. A ninth aspect provides a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program instructions are executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out a method of: transmitting, to a first apparatus, at least one of: association information indicating an association between at least one wake-up signal, WUS, and at least one action; or at least one condition associated with at least one action associated with at least one WUS; transmitting, to the first apparatus, the at least one WUS; and receiving a measurement report of at least one reference signal (RS) from, receiving data from, or transmitting data to, the first apparatus. In some examples, the ninth aspect may comprise other features relating to the sixth aspect.

[0038] A tenth aspect provides a second apparatus comprising: means for transmitting, to a first apparatus, at least one of: association information indicating an association between at least one wake-up signal, WUS, and at least one action; or at least one condition associated with at least one action associated with at least one WUS; means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, the at least one WUS; and means for receiving a measurement report of at least one reference signal (RS) from, receiving data from, or transmitting data to, the first apparatus. In some examples, the tenth aspect may comprise other features relating to the sixth aspect.

[0039] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040] Example embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system;

[0042] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate components of a first apparatus of the FIG. 1 system;

[0043] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of operations according to an example embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of functional components of a first apparatus according to an example embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 5 is a signal flow diagram according to an example embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of operations according to an example embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an apparatus; and

[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of non-transitory media. Detailed Description

[0049] Wake-up signals (WUS) are used in radio access technologies (RATs) for energy savingpurposes. Applicable RATs include, but are not limited to, long term evolution (LTE), LTE- Advanced, 5G (also called new radio (NR)) or any future RAT such as 6G and beyond. A WUS may, for example, be transmitted by a network node to a user device to wake-up the user device from a relatively low-power state (or when powered off) to a relatively high-power state. In the context of a user device which uses so-called discontinuous reception (DRX) the relative low and higher -power states may be referred to as the radio resource control (RRC) idle and connected states (or modes) respectively. Example embodiments are applicable to alternative definitions of relatively low and high -power states, including sleep and awake states, or similar. The WUS may be transmitted in an event-driven manner, for example when data is ready to be transmitted by the network node to the user device.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example system indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The system 10 comprises a network node 12 (alternatively referred to as a network device) such as a transmission-reception point, TRP, an access point, a base station or a gNB. The system 10 also comprises a user device, UE, 14 (or some other mobile communication device or terminal device). The network node 12 may, upon detection of a network side event, transmit over a radio access link 15, a WUS that the UE 14 is configured to detect, for example based on a WUS configuration or similar. The WUS configuration may indicate time, frequency and / or code resources over which the, or possibly multiple different, WUS(s) is or are to be received. A WUS may be transmitted by the network node 12 on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). FIG. 2 A is a block diagram of an example UE 22, which may be the same as the UE 14, comprising a low-power wake-up receiver 24 with input 28 and a main radio 26 which is shown in a relatively low-power state, e.g., the idle state. The wake-up receiver 24 may be in an always-on state but operates with significantly less power than the main radio 26. The wake-up receiver 24 may, for example, use dedicated hardware for monitoring the WUS via the input 28. FIG. 2B illustrates that, upon receipt of the WUS via the input 28, the wakeup receiver 24 activates or wakes-up the main radio 26 which transitions to the relatively high- power state, e.g., the connected state, over a finite time period. The main radio 26 can then communicate with the network node 12.

[0051] It has been observed that some power saving advantage may be achieved at user devices when in, or transitioning to, the relatively high-power state, e.g., the connected state. An example case is when the user device, upon entering a DRX ON period, monitors for WUSs on the PDCCH before entering what may be termed a fully-connected state when substantially all radio functionality of the main radio 26 is active. In this context, allowing a user device to remain in the relatively low-power state is advantageous for energy-saving reasons; however it may also necessitate the use of algorithms to handle outdated measurements (and hence apply a safely margin such as a conservative modulation coding scheme (MCS)) and / or initializing new measurement procedures to acquire up-to-date measurements at a cost of additional control signalling and latency. Therefore, although the use of WUSs enable user devices to operate in a power-efficient and dynamic manner, at least compared to conventional paging methods, certain drawbacks remain.

[0052] Example embodiments relate to methods, system and computer programs that may improve energy and spectral efficiencies.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing operations 30 that may be performed by one or more example embodiments. The operations 30 may be performed by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. The operations 30 may be performed by one, or respective, means, a means being any suitable means such as one or more processors or controllers in combination with computer-readable instructions provided on one or more memories. The operations 30 may be performed by a first apparatus, such as the UE 14.

[0054] A first operation 32 may comprise receiving, from a network node, at least one WUS, wherein the at least WUS is associated with at least one action.

[0055] A second operation 34 may comprise evaluating, in response to receiving the at least one WUS, at least one condition associated with the at least one action.

[0056] A third operation 36 may comprise performing, or refraining from performing, the at least one action based on the evaluation.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the operations 30 may be performed, or may at least be triggered, when the user device transitions from a relatively low-power state, e.g., the idle state, to relatively high-power state, e.g., the connected state. In some example embodiments, the operations 30 may be performed, or may at least be triggered, prior to the user device being in a fully-connected state, in other words during the finite (intermediate) time period it takes for the user device to reach the fully-connected state.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the at least one action may comprise at least one of: performing a measurement on at least one reference signal (RS) according to a measurement configuration; transmitting a measurement report according to a measurement and / or reporting configuration; transmitting data according to a configured grant (CG) configuration; or transmitting or receiving data according to a semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) configuration.

[0059] The measurement and / or reporting configuration may comprise, but is not limited to, at least one of a channel state information (CSI) measurement and / or reporting configuration, or a positioning reference signal (PRS) measurement and / or reporting configuration.

[0060] In some example embodiments, the user device may be configured to monitor transmission of a plurality of different WUSs, wherein respective WUSs may be received using respective time, frequency and / or code resources. For example, a first WUS is expected to be received using a first set of time, frequency and / or code resources, a second WUS is expected to be received using a second set of time, frequency and / or code resources, and so on if appropriate.

[0061] In some example embodiments, a first WUS may be associated with a first set of one or more actions and a second WUS may be associated with a second set of one or more actions, and so on if appropriate. At least one action of the second set may be different from the at least one action of the first set, but not necessarily so.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the at least one condition may be associated with an amount of data, associated with performing the at least one action, being above a first threshold. The first threshold may be a positive amount and may be predefined or may be configured by the, or another, network node. For example, the action(s) of transmitting a measurement report, transmitting data according to the CG configuration and / or transmitting data according to the SPS configuration, all require use of uplink resources and hence such action(s) may be performed based on an evaluation that the amount of uplink data stored, or available at the user device, is above the first threshold. Otherwise, the action is not performed. Thus, energy may be saved by not transmitting uplink data if the amount of data is below the first threshold. In some example embodiments, the amount of uplink data may correspond to data of a predetermined type, or data associated with a predetermined quality of service (Qos) characteristic. For example, if the first apparatus has no, or a below -first threshold amount of, delay-critical data or data corresponding to a particular set of QoS values, then no uplink data may be transmitted.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the at least one condition may additionally or alternatively be associated with an energy level of the user device being above a second threshold. The second threshold may be positive amount and may be predefined or may be configured by the, or another, network node. The energy level may refer to battery energy level, whether expressed in terms of e.g., milliampere hours (mAh) or percentage of full charge. For example, the user device may utilise energy harvesting for recharging and / or only transmits and / or receives data when there is critical data to exchange. Thus, energy may be conserved by evaluating to perform the at least one action if the energy level is above the second threshold. Otherwise, the at least one action is not performed.

[0064] In some example embodiments, where the action comprises transmitting of a measurement report to the network node based on measurement of at least one RS, the at least one condition may additionally or alternatively be associated with whether a first time period has elapsed from a reference time. The first time period may be a positive number and may be predefined or may be configured by the, or another, network node. The reference time may comprise, for example, a time of transmitting a previous measurement report and / or an end time of a previous DRX active period. In this way, energy may be conserved by evaluating to transmit the measurement report if the first time period has elapsed from the reference time. Otherwise, the measurement report is not transmitted. A trade-off is made between need for up-to-date measurements and energy efficiency of the user device.

[0065] The at least one condition may additionally or alternatively be associated with whether at least one parameter derived from the at least one RS measurement has changed by a third threshold amount with respect to a previous measurement. For example, the at least one parameter may comprise, but is not limited to, at least one of reference signal receive power (RSRP), delay spread, or number of dominant paths. For example, if the third threshold amount is met, the action may be performed. Otherwise, the action is not performed on the basis that the downlink channel has not changed significantly to require more up-to-date measurements. Delay spread may refer to the delay spread when measured at a particular percentile or by a similarity score, e.g., Kullback Lieber similarity score or similar. Number of dominant paths may refer to the number of detectable paths in a power delay profile (PDP) that contribute the largest relative power. For example, in a line of sight (LoS) scenario, there will usually be one dominant path that contributes above 50% of the total PDP power, in which case there will be one dominant path. In a non-LOS scenario, two (or more) highest power paths will usually contribute to above 50% of the total PDP power, in which case there will be two (or more) dominant paths.

[0066] In some example embodiments, such parameters may be associated with respective thresholds which may be considered individually or in any combination.

[0067] For example, the measurement report may be transmitted based on evaluating that at least one (but potentially two or more) of the following conditions is or are satisfied:

[0068] A RSRP > RSRP_Threshold;

[0069] A Delay_spread > Delay spread Threshold; or

[0070] A Dom_paths > Dom_paths_Threshold.

[0071] The A parameters and associated thresholds may be relative to a serving cell and / or other cells in the vicinity of the user device.

[0072] The at least one action and at least one condition are not limited to the above examples.

[0073] FIG. 4 illustrates functional components of a user device, UE, 40 according to an example embodiment. The UE 40 may be the same as the UE 14 or the UE 22 in FIGS. 1, 2 A and 2B.

[0074] The UE 40 may obtain information 41 which may comprise a first set 42 indicating at least one WUS, a second set 43 indicating at least one action, a third set 44 indicating at least one condition 44 and mappings or relationships therebetween indicated generally by reference numeral 49. In the illustrated example, first to fourth WUSs (WUS#1-WUS#4) are associated with respective first to fourth actions (action#l-action#4) and the first to fourth actions are associated with respective first to fourth conditions (condition#! -condition#4). In some example embodiments, at least one WUS may be associated with two or more actions. For example, the second WUS (WUS#2) is associated with the second and third actions (action#2, action#3). In some example embodiments, at least one action is associated with two or more conditions. For example, the third action (action#3) is associated with the first and third conditions (condition#!, condition#3). Other example embodiment may use different numbers of WUSs, actions, conditions and / or alternative mappings.

[0075] The first set 42 may indicate, for the at least one WUS, a respective identifier, sequence number, and an indication of time, frequency and / or code resources for receiving said at least one WUS. Further information may include at least one of an initial action (or pre-action) to be performed prior to evaluating the at least one condition, a time duration (if used with DRX), a time pattern, frequency region, RS indicator and / or quasi co-location (QCL) indicator associated with the RS.

[0076] In some example embodiments, at least one of the first set 42, second set 43, third set 44 and / or the mappings 49 may be obtained from the, or another, network device, which may be the network device 12 illustrated in FIG. 1. In some example embodiments, at least one of the first set 42, second set 43, third set 44 and / or the mappings 49 may be predefined at the UE 40, by standard or preconfiguration.

[0077] In some example embodiments, at least one of the first set 42, second set 43 and / or third set 44 may be predefined at the UE 40 prior to obtaining subsequent association information, which may come from the, or another, network device 12. The association information may, for example, indicate the association or mapping(s) 49 between the at least one WUS of the first set 42, at least one action of the second set 43 and / or at least one condition of the third set 44. In some example embodiments, the association information or data may further indicate the at least one action and / or the at least one condition. If at least some association information is already present, it may be updated.

[0078] The UE 40 may also comprise an evaluation module 45 and an execution module 46, although said modules may be combined. The evaluation module 45 may be configured to monitor, for example using a low-power radio of the UE40, transmission by the network device 12 of at least one of the WUSs (WUS#1- WUS#4) according to their respective time, frequency and / or code resources.

[0079] Upon detection of, for example, the first WUS (WUS#1) on an input 47, the evaluation module 45 may access the information 41. For example, the evaluation module 45 may identify association or mapping of the first WUS (WUS#1) with the first action (action#l) and the association or mapping of the first action with the first condition (condition#!).

[0080] The first WUS (WUS#1) may or may not be associated with an initial action to be performed prior to evaluating the at least one condition. An example of an initial action , when the first action (action# 1) comprises transmitting a measurement report to the network device 12 in accordance with a measurement and / or reporting configuration of the UE 40, may comprise performing a measurement on an RS according to the measurement and / or reporting configuration, wherein the reporting is based on evaluating the first condition (condition#!) comprising any of the above examples whether alone or in combination.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the second set 43 or the mappings or relationships 49, however obtained, may indicate at least one of a QCL indicator associated with at least one RS or an allocation of time and frequency resources for receiving the at least one RS, wherein the RS is used as part of the action and / or evaluation. For example, the allocation of time and frequency resources may be indicated as an offset from a time and a frequency of receiving the at least one WUS, respectively. The allocation of frequency resources may optionally be indicated relative to at least one of a bandwidth part (BWP) of a channel between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; or a sub-band associated with the at least one WUS.

[0082] Upon evaluating that the at least one action (action# 1) is to be performed, the evaluation module 45 may issue a message or trigger to the execution module 46 which performs, or triggers performance via another component, of the action. The action may result in output via an output 48. Upon evaluating to refrain from performing the at least one action (action#!), no further action may be taken.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the UE 40 may be configured to transition from a relatively high-power state to a relatively low-power state after performing the at least one action (action#l) and / or evaluating to refrain from performing the at least one action. This may be immediate or after a predetermined time period. This transition may refer to the power state of the main radio 26 illustrated in FIGs. 2 A and 2B.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a signal flow diagram according to an example embodiment.

[0085] A first group of operations 500 may refer to configuration of the UE 40 by the network device 12.

[0086] A first operation 501 may comprise the network device 12 transmitting to the UE 40 an assignment (or configuration) of at least one WUS that the UE 40 is to monitor. Note that other UEs (not shown) may receive the same or different assignments. A second operation 502 may comprise transmitting association information. The association information may indicate the above associations or mappings between the at least one WUS, the at least one action and the at least one condition. In some embodiments, the first and second operations 501, 502 may comprise one operation, wherein the association information is provided with the assignment of the at least one WUS. In some embodiments, at least some of the above information may be predefined at the UE 40.

[0087] A second group of operations 502 may refer to subsequent execution operations of the UE 40.

[0088] A third operation 503 may comprise monitoring for at least one of said WUSs by the UE 40. The network device 12 may in a fourth operation 504 transmit one of said WUSs (WUS#N) and thereafter monitors 504A for uplink data, e.g., measurement reports or other data from the UE 40. The fourth operation 504 may therefore correspond to receiving, by the UE 40, of said transmitted WUS (WUS#N).

[0089] A fifth operation 505 may comprise the UE 40 determining, in response to the receiving, at least one action associated with said WUS (WUS#N).

[0090] As an example, the at least one action may comprise transmitting a CSI measurement report based on an initial action of performing CSI-RS measurements according to a CSI measurement and reporting configuration. The CSI measurement and reporting configuration may be provided on the UE 40 and indicates time and / or frequency resources for performing said CSI-RS-RS measurements and for reporting them.

[0091] A sixth operation 506 may comprise the UE 40 evaluating at least one condition associated with the at least one action.

[0092] Taking the above example, and assuming a condition of reporting the CSI measurements if: A Delay_spread > Delay_spread_Threshold then A Delay_spread is determined based on the measurements.

[0093] The UE 40 may determine that the condition is satisfied (evaluation = True) because A Delay_spread > Delay_spread_Threshold.

[0094] In a seventh operation 507, the UE 40 may responsively transmit the CSI measurement report to the network device 12.

[0095] In an eighth operation 508, the network device 12 may determine a downlink transmission based on the CSI measurement report.

[0096] At a subsequent time, in a ninth operation 509, the network device 12 may perform the downlink transmission based on the CSI measurement report.

[0097] In correspondence to the ninth operation 509, the UE 40 may receive the downlink transmission.

[0098] In a tenth operation 510, the UE 40 may transition to a relatively low-power state.

[0099] In some example embodiments, one or more other conditions may be evaluated, for example based on amount of data to be reported, energy level of the UE 40 and / or other thresholds based on, for example, RSRP and / or number of dominant paths.

[0100] In some example embodiments, if the seventh operation 507 determines that the at least one condition is not satisfied (evaluation = False) then no CSI measurement report is transmitted to the network device 12 and the UE 40 may transition to the relatively low-power state as per the tenth operation 510. Any downlink transmission from the network device 12 may be based on a previous CSI measurement report.

[0101] In summary, example embodiments enable the network device 12 to acquire data such as measurement reports, whether CSI or PRS measurement reports, and / or other uplink data in a relatively quick way upon receipt by the UE 40 of the associated WUS. This allows at least the main radio 26 of the UE 40 to transition back to the relatively low-power state quicker and improves spectral efficiency. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 40 may only perform action(s) if useful data is to be provided to the network device 12 and / or if it has sufficient energy to perform said action(s).

[0102] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing operations 60 that may be performed by one or more example embodiments. The operations 60 may be performed by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. The operations 60 may be performed by one, or respective, means, a means being any suitable means such as one or more processors or controllers in combination with computer-readable instructions provided on one or more memories. The operations 60 may be performed by a second apparatus, such as the network device 12.

[0103] A first operation 62 may comprise transmitting, to a first apparatus, at least one of: association information indicating an association between at least one wake-up signal, WUS, and at least one action; or at least one condition associated with at least one action associated with at least one WUS.

[0104] A second operation 64 may comprise transmitting, to the first apparatus, the at least one WUS.

[0105] A third operation 66 may comprise at least one of: receiving a measurement report of at least one reference signal, RS, from; receiving data from; or transmitting data to, the first apparatus.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the third operation may result from performance of the at least one action associated with the at least one WUS based on an evaluation of the, or another at least one condition associated with the at least one action. In some example embodiments, the at least one action comprises at least one of: performing, by the first apparatus, a measurement on the at least one RS according to a measurement configuration; transmitting, by the first apparatus, a measurement report according to a measurement and reporting configuration; transmitting, by the first apparatus, data according to a configured grant, CG, configuration; or transmitting or receiving, by the first apparatus, data according to of a semi-persistent scheduling, SPS, configuration.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the at least one action is performed responsive to at least an evaluation by the first apparatus that an amount of data associated with performing the at least one action is above a first threshold. The data may comprise at least one of: data of a predetermined type; or data associated with predetermined quality of service (QoS) characteristic. In some example embodiments, the at least one action is performed responsive to at least an evaluation by the first apparatus that an energy level of the first apparatus is above a second threshold. In some example embodiments, a measurement report is received from the first apparatus in response to the at least one RS measurement according to a measurement configuration and the evaluating at least one of: a first time period has elapsed from a reference time; or at least one parameter derived from the at least one RS measurement has changed by a third threshold amount with respect to a previous measurement. The reference time may comprise at least one of: a time of transmitting a previous measurement report; or an end time of a previous discontinuous reception, DRX, active period. The at least one parameter may comprise at least one of: reference signal receive power, RSRP, delay spread, or number of dominant paths.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the measurement report comprises at least one of: a channel state information, CSI, measurement report; or a positioning reference signal, PRS, measurement report.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the association information indicates at least one of a quasi colocation, QCL, indicator associated with the at least one RS, or an allocation of time and frequency resources for receiving the at least one RS. The allocation of time and frequency resources may be indicated as an offset from a time and a frequency of receiving the at least one WUS, respectively. The allocation of frequency resources may be indicated relative to at least one of: a bandwidth part, BWP, of a channel between the second apparatus and the first apparatus; or a sub-band associated with the at least one WUS. In some example embodiments, the association information may indicate a plurality of WUSs associated with different respective actions.

[0110] In some example embodiments, another operation may comprise transmitting, to the first apparatus, an indication for causing the first apparatus to transition to a low-power state after performing the at least one action.

[0111] In some example embodiments, the network device 12 of FIG. 1 may be a sub-network UE capable of acting as an access point (AP) and communicating directly with other UEs in a subnetwork. The sub-network UE acting as the network device 12 may receive the configuration from a serving network node, e.g. a base station, and forward the configuration to the other UEs in the sub-network. The other UEs of the sub-network may be low capability UEs or subnetwork entities (SNE). The configuration may include at least one WUS reference signal or block of bits in a common control channel and at least one associated action to be executed, e.g. by a SNE, when receiving the WUS, e.g., from the AP. The actions and conditions may correspond to activating measurements and scheduling configurations in the sub-network operating bands.

[0112] For completeness, we also describe example methods and systems for transmitting and receiving WUSs in accordance with example embodiments.

[0113] WUSs may be transmitted as an on-off key (OOK) -like signal. An OOK signal is relatively easy to encode and transmit by the network device 12 without hardware modification. For example, this may be performed where a set of subcarriers are switched ON / OFF per OFDM symbol. Since this signal is not just a single carrier being switched ON and OFF, but rather multiple subcarriers, the modulation is named Multi Carrier OOK (MC-OOK). A corresponding receiver will be able to detect the symbols by detecting the signal power after filtering the relevant subcarriers (some guard subcarriers are needed, and the actual number places requirements on the order of the filter). Manchester encoding may be applied to the transmitted symbols, thereby ensuring a constant DC level of the transmitted OOK signal. This allows the receiver side to compare the detected power with a threshold value equal to the average power level. The OOK signal generated as described above, will have a maximum symbol rate equal to half the symbol rate of the NR OFDM symbols in case of Manchester encoding. For 15kHz subcarrier spacing (SCS) this means a maximum OOK symbol rate of 7 ksps. Even at 60kHz SCS, the maximum OOK symbol rate would be 28 ksps.

[0114] Example Apparatus

[0115] FIG. 7 shows an apparatus according to some example embodiments. The apparatus may be configured to perform the operations described herein, for example operations described with reference to any disclosed process. The apparatus comprises at least one processor 312 and at least one memory 314 directly or closely connected to the processor. The memory 314 includes at least one random access memory (RAM) and at least one read-only memory (ROM). Computer program code (software) is stored in the memory 314 (typically in ROM). The apparatus may be connected to a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX). The apparatus may, optionally, be connected with a user interface (UI) 318 for instructing the apparatus and / or for outputting data. The at least one processor 312, with the at least one memory 314 and the computer program code instruction 315 are arranged to cause the apparatus to at least perform at least the method according to any preceding process, for example as disclosed in relation to the flow diagrams and message sequences of FIGs. 3, 5 and 6 and related features thereof.

[0116] FIG. 8 shows a non-transitory media 365 according to some embodiments. The non-transitory media 254 is a computer readable storage medium. It may be e.g. a CD, a DVD, a USB stick, a blue ray disk, etc. The non-transitory media 365 stores computer program code, causing an apparatus to perform the method of any preceding process for example as disclosed in relation to the flow diagrams and related features thereof.

[0117] Names of network elements, protocols, and methods are based on current standards. In other versions or other technologies, the names of these network elements and / or protocols and / or methods may be different, as long as they provide a corresponding functionality. For example, embodiments may be deployed in 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G networks and further generations of 3GPP but also in non-3GPP radio networks such as WiFi.

[0118] A memory may be volatile or non-volatile. It may be e.g. a RAM, a SRAM, a flash memory, a FPGA block ram, a DCD, a CD, a USB stick, and a blue ray disk.

[0119] If not otherwise stated or otherwise made clear from the context, the statement that two entities are different means that they perform different functions. It does not necessarily mean that they are based on different hardware. That is, each of the entities described in the present description may be based on a different hardware, or some or all of the entities may be based on the same hardware. It does not necessarily mean that they are based on different software. That is, each of the entities described in the present description may be based on different software, or some or all of the entities may be based on the same software. Each of the entities described in the present description may be embodied in the cloud.

[0120] Implementations of any of the above described blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques or methods include, as non-limiting examples, implementations as hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. Some embodiments may be implemented in the cloud.

[0121] It is to be understood that what is described above is what is presently considered the preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the description of the preferred embodiments is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A first apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive, from a second apparatus, at least one wake-up signal, WUS, wherein the at least one WUS is associated with at least one action; evaluate, in response to receiving the at least one WUS, at least one condition associated with the at least one action; and perform, or refrain from performing, the at least one action based on the evaluation.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one action comprises at least one of: performing a measurement on at least one reference signal (RS) according to a measurement configuration; transmitting a measurement report according to a measurement and reporting configuration; transmitting data to the second apparatus according to a configured grant, CG, configuration; or transmitting or receiving data from the second apparatus according to a semi- persistent scheduling, SPS, configuration.

3. The first apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one action is performed responsive to at least evaluating that an amount of data associated with performing the at least one action is above a first threshold.

4. The first apparatus of claim 3, wherein the data comprises at least one of: data of a predetermined type; or data associated with predetermined quality of service (QoS) characteristic.

5. The first apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one action is performed responsive to at least evaluating that an energy level of the first apparatus is above a second threshold.

6. The first apparatus of claim 2, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the action comprises transmitting a measurement report to the second apparatus, the at least one processor and the at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus to: measure at least one RS according to the measurement and reporting configuration; and wherein the measurement report is transmitted to the second apparatus in response to evaluating at least one of: a first time period has elapsed from a reference time; or at least one parameter derived from the at least one RS measurement has changed by a third threshold amount with respect to a previous measurement.

7. The first apparatus of claim 6, wherein the reference time comprises at least one of: a time of transmitting a previous measurement report; or an end time of a previous discontinuous reception, DRX, active period.

8. The first apparatus of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the at least one parameter comprises at least one of: reference signal receive power, RSRP; delay spread; or number of dominant paths.

9. The first apparatus of claim 2, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the measurement report comprises at least one of: a channel state information, CSI, measurement report; or a positioning reference signal, PRS, measurement report.

10. The first apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus at least to: obtain at least one of: association information indicating an association between the at least one WUS and the at least one action; or the at least one condition associated with the at least one action, wherein the at least one of the association information or the at least one condition is received, from the, or another second apparatus, or is predefined.

11. The first apparatus of claim 10, wherein the association information indicates at least one of: a quasi co-location, QCL, indicator associated with the at least one RS, or an allocation of time and frequency resources for receiving the at least one RS.

12. The first apparatus of claim 11, wherein the allocation of time and frequency resources is indicated as an offset from a time and a frequency of receiving the at least one WUS, respectively.

13. The first apparatus of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the allocation of frequency resources is indicated relative to at least one of: a bandwidth part, BWP, of a channel between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; or a sub-band associated with the at least one WUS.

14. The first apparatus of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the association information indicates a plurality of WUSs associated with different respective actions.

15. The first apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the first apparatus to: transition to a low-power state after performing the at least one action.

16. A second apparatus, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to: transmit, to a first apparatus, at least one of: association information indicating an association between at least one wake-up signal, WUS, and at least one action; or at least one condition associated with at least one action associated with at least one WUS; transmit, to the first apparatus, the at least one WUS; and receive a measurement report of at least one reference signal (RS) from, receive data from, or transmit data to, the first apparatus.

17. The second apparatus of claim 16, wherein the receiving the measurement report, receiving the data or transmitting the data results from performance of the at least one action associated with the at least one WUS based on an evaluation of the, or another at least one condition associated with the at least one action.

18. The second apparatus of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the at least one action comprises at least one of: performing, by the first apparatus, a measurement on the at least one RS according to a measurement configuration; transmitting, by the first apparatus, a measurement report according to a measurement and reporting configuration; transmitting, by the first apparatus, data according to a configured grant, CG, configuration; or transmitting or receiving, by the first apparatus, data according to of a semi- persistent scheduling, SPS, configuration.

19. The second apparatus of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the at least one action is performed responsive to at least an evaluation by the first apparatus that an amount of data associated with performing the at least one action is above a first threshold.

20. The second apparatus of claim 19, wherein the data comprises at least one of: data of a predetermined type; or data associated with predetermined quality of service (QoS) characteristic.

21. The second apparatus of any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the at least one action is performed responsive to at least an evaluation by the first apparatus that an energy level of the first apparatus is above a second threshold.

22. The second apparatus of any of claims 16 to 21, wherein the measurement report is received from the first apparatus in response to the at least one RS measurement according to a measurement configuration and evaluating at least one of: a first time period has elapsed from a reference time; or at least one parameter derived from the at least one RS measurement has changed by a third threshold amount with respect to a previous measurement.

23. The second apparatus of claim 22, wherein the reference time comprises at least one of: a time of transmitting a previous measurement report; or an end time of a previous discontinuous reception, DRX, active period.

24. The second apparatus of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the at least one parameter comprises at least one of: reference signal receive power, RSRP; delay spread; or number of dominant paths.

25. The second apparatus of any of claims 16 to 24, wherein the measurement report comprises at least one of: a channel state information, CSI, measurement report; or a positioning reference signal, PRS, measurement report.

26. The second apparatus of any of claims 16 to 25, wherein the association information indicates at least one of a quasi co-location, QCL, indicator associated with the at least one RS, or an allocation of time and frequency resources for receiving the at least one RS.

27. The second apparatus of claim 26, wherein the allocation of time and frequency resources is indicated as an offset from a time and a frequency of receiving the at least one WUS, respectively.

28. The second apparatus of claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the allocation of frequency resources is indicated relative to at least one of: a bandwidth part, BWP, of a channel between the second apparatus and the first apparatus; or a sub-band associated with the at least one WUS.

29. The second apparatus of any of claims 16 to 28, wherein the association information indicates a plurality of WUSs associated with different respective actions.

30. The second apparatus of any of claims 16 to 29, wherein the at least one processor and the at least one memory store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the second apparatus to: transmit, to the first apparatus, an indication for causing the first apparatus to transition to a low-power state after performing the at least one action.

31. A method of a first apparatus, comprising: receiving, from a second apparatus, at least one wake-up signal, WUS, wherein the at least one WUS is associated with at least one action; evaluating, in response to receiving the at least one WUS, at least one condition associated with the at least one action; and performing, or refrain from performing, the at least one action based on the evaluation.

32. A method of a second apparatus, comprising: transmitting, to a first apparatus, at least one of:association information indicating an association between at least one wake-up signal, WUS, and at least one action; or at least one condition associated with at least one action associated with at least one WUS; transmitting, to the first apparatus, the at least one WUS; and receiving a measurement report of at least one reference signal (RS) from, receiving data from, or transmitting data to, the first apparatus.

33. A first apparatus, comprising: means for receiving, from a second apparatus, at least one wake-up signal, WUS, wherein the at least one WUS is associated with at least one action; means for evaluating, in response to receiving the at least one WUS, at least one condition associated with the at least one action; and means for performing, or refrain from performing, the at least one action based on the evaluation.

34. A second apparatus, comprising: means for transmitting, to a first apparatus, at least one of: association information indicating an association between at least one wake-up signal, WUS, and at least one action; or at least one condition associated with at least one action associated with at least one WUS; means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, the at least one WUS; and means for receiving a measurement report of at least one reference signal (RS) from, receiving data from, or transmitting data to, the first apparatus.

35. A computer program product comprising program instructions which, when executed by a first apparatus, cause the first apparatus to perform: receiving, from a second apparatus, at least one wake-up signal, WUS, wherein the at least one WUS is associated with at least one action; evaluating, in response to receiving the at least one WUS, at least one condition associated with the at least one action; and performing, or refrain from performing, the at least one action based on the evaluation.

36. A computer program product comprising program instructions which, when executed by a second apparatus, cause the second apparatus to perform: transmitting, to a first apparatus, at least one of: association information indicating an association between at least one wake-up signal, WUS, and at least one action; or at least one condition associated with at least one action associated with at least one WUS; transmitting, to the first apparatus, the at least one WUS; and receiving a measurement report of at least one reference signal (RS) from, receiving data from, or transmitting data to, the first apparatus.

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