Managing artificial intelligence techniques for measurement prediction and reporting

Abstract

A method in a user equipment (UE) can include receiving, from a source node of radio access network (RAN), a handover command including a measurement prediction configuration for a target node of the RAN. The method can include transmitting, to the target node, an indication of whether a measurement prediction is applicable. Other methods and systems are described.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC MANAGING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNIQUES FOR MEASUREMENT PREDICTION AND REPORTING CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 738,488 entitled “Managing artificial intelligence techniques for measurement prediction and reporting,” filed on December 23, 2024. The entire contents of the provisional application are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] This disclosure relates to wireless communications and, more particularly, to managing configuration for managing artificial intelligence techniques for measurement prediction and reporting.BACKGROUND

[0003] This background description is provided for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0004] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) specifies a radio interface referred to as fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) (5G NR). An architecture for a 5G NR wireless communication system includes a 5G core (5GC) network, a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN), a 5G user equipment (5G UE), etc. The 5G NR architecture seeks to provide increased data rates, decreased latency, and / or increased capacity compared to previous generation cellular communication systems.

[0005] In wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) devices regularly perform measurements of reference signals from serving and neighboring cells to support various network functions, including mobility management, handover decisions, and radio resource management. These measurements typically involve signal strength indicators such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), signal quality indicators such as Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), and Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR). The measurement process requires the UE to continuously monitor multiple carrier frequencies and cells, which can consume significant power and impact battery life, particularly inPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC scenarios involving inter-frequency measurements where the UE must tune away from the UE serving frequency.

[0006] Traditional measurement approaches rely on actual physical measurements performed by the LE at regular intervals. However, as wireless networks evolve toward more complex architectures with increased numbers of cells, carrier frequencies, and beams, the measurement burden on LE devices continues to grow. This increased measurement activity consumes more power and processing resources and can introduce delays in mobility decisions.

[0007] The application of artificial intelligence (Al) and machine learning (ML) techniques to wireless communications has gained significant attention for improving network performance and enabling various services. Recent developments have explored AI / ML-based approaches for mobility optimization, including LE trajectory prediction, target cell prediction, and handover timing optimization.

[0008] However, existing AI / ML approaches for measurement prediction face several limitations. Current methods typically focus on either time-domain prediction (predicting future measurements at specific time instances) or frequency-domain prediction (predicting measurements across different frequencies) but lack comprehensive frameworks that can effectively manage both domains while maintaining compatibility with existing 3 GPP measurement procedures. Additionally, existing approaches often require extensive preconfiguration of prediction models and parameters, limiting their adaptability to dynamic radio conditions and varying LE capabilities.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional measurement prediction techniques do not adequately address the coordination challenges that arise during mobility scenarios such as handovers. When a LE transitions between cells, a disconnect often occurs between the measurement prediction configurations that the source base station establishes and those that the target base station needs. This can result in measurement gaps, prediction inaccuracies, and suboptimal handover performance.

[0010] Another significant challenge involves the lack of standardized mechanisms for LEs to indicate LE measurement prediction capabilities and for networks to configure appropriate prediction parameters based on these capabilities. Existing solutions often assume uniform prediction capabilities across all LE devices, which does not reflect the reality ofPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC heterogeneous device ecosystems with varying computational resources and AI / ML processing capabilities.

[0011] Moreover, current approaches do not provide adequate mechanisms for managing the transition between predicted and actual measurements, particularly in scenarios where prediction accuracy degrades due to changing radio conditions or UE mobility patterns. The ability to dynamically switch between measurement prediction modes and traditional measurement approaches based on real-time assessment of prediction reliability remains an unresolved challenge.

[0012] Recent advances in AI / ML techniques present opportunities to enhance measurement procedures in wireless communications through more sophisticated prediction capabilities. AI / ML models can potentially predict future measurement results based on historical measurement data, thereby reducing the need for continuous physical measurements while maintaining adequate accuracy for network operations. Such prediction capabilities could enable significant power savings at the UE while still providing the network with sufficient measurement information for mobility management and other functions.

[0013] However, it is unclear how to coordinate comprehensive AI / ML-based measurement prediction in wireless communication systems. Furthermore, it is unclear how to manage varying UE prediction capabilities for performing measurement prediction, and how network nodes can discover, configure, and manage these capabilities appropriately across diverse deployment scenarios.SUMMARY

[0014] Methods for addressing the above concerns are described herein. In an aspect, a method a user equipment (UE) can include receiving, from a source node of radio access network (RAN), a handover command including a measurement prediction configuration for a target node of the RAN; and transmitting, to the target node, an indication of whether a measurement prediction is applicable.

[0015] In another aspect, a method implemented in a source node of a radio access network (RAN) can include transmitting, to a target node of the RAN, a handover request for a user equipment (UE) configured with a first measurement prediction configuration, the handover request including an applicability indication related to the first measurement prediction configuration; receiving, from the target node, a handover requestPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC acknowledgement including a second measurement prediction configuration; and transmitting, to the UE, a handover command including the second measurement prediction configuration.

[0016] In another aspect, a device can include processing hardware, and a transceiver configured to perform any of the operations described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Fig. l is a block diagram of an example system in which a radio access network (RAN) and a user equipment (UE) can implement the techniques of this disclosure to support signal measurement;

[0018] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an example protocol stack according to which the UE of Fig. 1 communicates with base stations;

[0019] Fig. 3 is a messaging diagram of an example scenario in which a UE and a base station exchange measurement predictions and measurement prediction capability information;

[0020] Fig. 4A illustrates a illustrates a mode during which the UE trains or tunes a machine learning (ML) model;

[0021] Fig. 4B illustrates time domain prediction that can be performed by a UE;

[0022] Fig. 4C illustrates time domain prediction in which a UE implements a sliding observation window (OW) omitting certain observations to save power;

[0023] Fig. 5A illustrates a first example implementation of frequency domain prediction in which the UE uses measurement results of reference signals in a first carrier frequency to predict measurements of reference signals in a second carrier frequency;

[0024] Fig. 5B illustrates a second example implementation of frequency domain prediction in which the UE uses measurement results of reference signals in a first carrier frequency to predict measurements of reference signals in a second carrier frequency;

[0025] Fig. 6A illustrates a first example of a UE and base station performing a measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure;

[0026] Fig. 6B illustrates a second example of a UE and base station performing a measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure;PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0027] Fig. 7A illustrates a first example scenario in which the UE and the source base station perform a measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure as described for Fig. 3;

[0028] Fig. 7B illustrates a second example scenario similar to that illustrated in Fig. 7A, except that the UE determines that measurement prediction is not applicable and suspends measurement prediction in response to the determination;

[0029] Fig. 7C illustrates a third example scenario similar to that illustrated in Figs. 7A-7B, except that, upon determining that measurement prediction is not applicable, the UE transmits a Handover complete message;

[0030] Fig. 7D illustrates a fourth example scenario similar to that illustrated in Figs. 7A-7C, except that the UE transmits an indication that measurement prediction is suspended;

[0031] Fig. 7E illustrates a fifth example scenario similar to that illustrated in Figs. 7A-7D, except that the UE transmits an indication that measurement prediction is not applicable;

[0032] Fig. 7F illustrates a sixth example scenario similar to that illustrated in Figs. 7A-7E, except that the target base station determines that measurement prediction is not applicable;

[0033] Fig. 7G illustrates a seventh example scenario similar to that illustrated in Fig 7F, except that the target base station releases the measurement prediction configuration;

[0034] Fig. 7H illustrates an eighth example scenario similar to that illustrated in Figs. 7A-7G, except that the target base station transmits a target base station measurement prediction configuration to the UE;

[0035] Fig. 8A is a flow diagram of an example method in which a UE performs measurement prediction;

[0036] Fig. 8B is a flow diagram of a second example method similar to the method illustrated in Fig. 8B except that the UE disables measurement prediction based on the network disabling measurement prediction or releasing a measurement prediction configuration;

[0037] Fig. 9 is a flow diagram of a third example method in which a UE performs measurement prediction;

[0038] Fig. 10 is a flow diagram a first example method, which can be implemented by a network, for measurement prediction;PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0039] Fig. 11 A is a flow diagram a first example method for measurement prediction during handover, which can be implemented by a target base station (T-BS);

[0040] Fig. 1 IB is a flow diagram of a second example method similar to that illustrated in Fig. 11 A, except that the T-BS may determine that a measurement prediction configuration is not applicable for the UE and release the measurement prediction configuration;

[0041] Fig. 12A is a flow diagram of a third example method for measurement prediction during a handover, which can be implemented by a T-BS;

[0042] Fig. 12B is a flow diagram a fourth example method, similar to that illustrated in Fig. 12A, except that a T-BS determines whether measurement prediction is applicable;

[0043] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of UE elements for a UE to use for performing or predicting reference signal measurements;

[0044] Fig. 14 illustrates an example method that the UE can implement for stopping measurement prediction based on a release message from the network;

[0045] Fig. 15 illustrates an example method that the UE can implement for performing a measurement procedure with or without prediction based on applicability criteria;

[0046] Fig. 16 illustrates an example method that the UE can implement for performing measurement prediction procedures for one or more measurement configurations,;

[0047] Fig. 17 illustrates an example method, which the network can implement, to configure the UE to perform measurement predictions and release measurement configurations;

[0048] Fig. 18A illustrates an example method that a network can implement for configuring the UE to perform measurement with prediction and update measurement configurations;

[0049] Fig. 18B illustrates an example method that a network can implement to configure the UE to perform measurement with prediction and update measurement prediction configurations;

[0050] Fig. 19 illustrates an example method, which a network can implement, to configure a UE to perform measurement prediction for multiple measurement configurations and to release at least one measurement configuration;PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0051] Fig. 20 illustrates a method, which a UE can implement, for indicating whether measurement prediction is applicable in the context of a handover procedure; and

[0052] Fig. 21 illustrates a method, which a source node can implement, for providing measurement prediction configurations to a UE in the context of a handover procedure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Techniques of the disclosure are directed to handovers. A base station and UE can perform a handover procedure more quickly by selecting a target cell in advance based on measurement predictions enhanced by machine learning prediction capabilities. The UE indicates capabilities for performing such predictions. In some example aspects, the base station can use predicted measurement results for layer 3 (L3) mobility (including handovers) and / or the UE can request or initiate handovers based on predicted measurement results. The UE can perform LI measurements or filtering as described in more detail later herein.Prediction parameters, including observation window size and prediction window size, can be configured by the network to reduce measurement workload for the UE.

[0054] Referring first to Fig. 1, an example wireless communication system 100 can implement one or more of these techniques. The wireless communication system 100 includes a UE 102, a base station (BS) 104, a base station 106 and a core network (CN) 110. The base stations 104, 106 can operate in a radio access network (RAN) 105. The CN 110 may be or include an evolved packet core (EPC) 111, a fifth generation (5G) core (5GC) 160 and / or a sixth generation (6G) core (6GC) 170, for example. The base station 104 can be an eNB supporting an SI interface for communicating with the EPC 111, an ng-eNB supporting an NG interface for communicating with the 5GC 160, or a gNB that supports an NR radio interface, as well as an NG interface for communicating with the 5GC 160. The base station 104 can also be a 6G base station (BS) supporting the NG interface, a new NG interface, or a 6G BS-to-CN (e.g., N6G) interface for communicating with the 5GC 160 or the 6GC 170. To directly exchange messages with each other during the scenarios discussed below, the base stations 104 and 106 can support an X2, Xn, new Xn, or a 6G BS-to-BS (e.g., X6G) interface. Among other components, the EPC 111 can include a Serving Gateway (SGW) 112, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 114, and a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) 116. The SGW 112 is generally configured to transfer user-plane packets related to audio calls, video calls, Internet traffic, etc., and the MME 114 is configured to manage authentication, registration, paging, and other related functions. The PGW 116 provides connectivity fromPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC the UE to one or more external packet data networks, e.g., an Internet network and / or an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network. The 5GC 160 includes a User Plane Function (UPF) 162 and an Access and Mobility Management (AMF) 164, and / or a Session Management Function (SMF) 166. The UPF 162 is generally configured to transfer user-plane packets related to audio calls, video calls, Internet traffic, etc., the AMF 164 is configured to manage authentication, registration, paging, and other related functions, and the SMF 166 is configured to manage PDU sessions. The 6GC 170 includes a 6GUPF 172 and a 6G AMF 174, and / or 6G SMF 176, similar to the UPF 162, the AMF 164 and the SMF 176 with enhanced functions, respectively.

[0055] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the base station 104 supports cell 124, and the base station 106 supports cells 126A, 126B, and 126C. The cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C can operate on the same carrier frequency or different carrier frequencies. For example, the cells 126A, 126B, and 126C operate on DL carrier frequencies fl, f2, and f3, respectively. The cell 124 may operate on the DL carrier frequency fl. When the cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C operate in a time division duplex (TDD) mode, the cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C operate in UL carrier frequencies that are the same as the DL carrier frequencies. When the cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C operate in a frequency division duplex (FDD) mode, the cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C operate in UL carrier frequencies different from the DL carrier frequencies. The cells 124, 126A, 126B, and / or 126C can partially overlap to provide seamless service continuity. Thus, while the UE 102 may move among the cells 124, 126A, 126B, and 126C, the UE 102 may still communicate with the CN 110 via these cells. In some other scenarios, the cells 126B and / or 126C may belong to one or more other base stations (e.g., the base station 104 and / or one or more additional base stations not shown in Fig. 1). In general, the wireless communication network 100 can include any suitable number of base stations supporting 6G cells, NR cells and / or EUTRA cells. More particularly, the EPC 111 can connect to any suitable number of base stations supporting EUTRA cells, while the 5GC 160 and / or the 6GC 170 can connect to any suitable number of base stations supporting 6G cells and / or NR cells. Although the examples below refer specifically to specific CN types (EPC, 5GC, 6GC) and RAT types (6G, 5GNR and EUTRA), in general the techniques of this disclosure also can apply to other suitable radio access and / or core network technologies such as seventh generation (7G) radio access and / or 7G core network.

[0056] With continued reference to Fig. 1, the base station 104 includes processing hardware 130 that includes one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) and a non-PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC transitory computer-readable medium (CRM) storing instructions that the one or more general-purpose processors execute. Additionally or alternatively, the processing hardware 130 may include special-purpose processing units. According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the processing hardware 130 includes a processor 132 to process data that the base station 104 transmits in the downlink direction, or data that the base station 104 receives in the uplink direction. The processing hardware 130 also includes a receiver 134 configured to transmit data in the downlink direction and to receive data in the uplink direction. The processing hardware 130 also includes a measurement controller 136 configured to manage measurement configurations. The processing hardware 130 further includes a measurement prediction controller 138 configured to manage (e.g., configure, release, activate, deactivate, enable, or disable) measurement prediction configurations for UEs as described in more detail later herein. The CRM (not shown) stores executable code that, when executed on the processor 132, enable the processor 132 to perform methods according to embodiments described in this section. The base station 106 includes generally similar components. In particular, components 140, 142, 144, 146, and 148 of the base station 106 may be similar to the components 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138, respectively.

[0057] The UE 102 includes processing hardware 150 that can include one or more general-purpose processors such as CPUs and non-transitory CRM storing machine-readable instructions executable on the one or more general-purpose processors, and / or specialpurpose processing units. As schematically illustrated in Fig. 1, the processing hardware 150 includes a processor 152 to prepare data that the UE 102 transmits in the uplink direction, or to process data that the UE 102 receives in the downlink direction. The processing hardware 150 also includes a transceiver 154 configured to transmit data in the uplink direction and to receive data in the downlink direction. The processing hardware 150 further includes a measurement controller 156 configured to manage measurement configurations, perform measurements, and / or transmit measurement results. The processing hardware 150 additionally includes a measurement prediction controller 158 configured to manage (e.g., configure, release, activate, deactivate, enable, or disable) measurement predictions.

[0058] Fig. 2 illustrates, in a simplified manner, an example protocol stack 200 according to which the UE 102 can communicate with an eNB / ng-eNB 230 or a gNB 232 (e.g., one or more of the base stations 104, 106).PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0059] In the example stack 200, a NR PHY 202B provides transport channels to a NR MAC sublayer 204B, which in turn provides logical channels to a NR RLC sublayer 206B. The NR RLC sublayer 206B in turn provides data transfer services to a NR PDCP sublayer 208B. The NR PDCP sublayer 208B in turn can provide data transfer services to a Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) 21 OB sublayer and / or a radio resource control (RRC) sublayer (not shown in Fig. 2). Similarly, a physical layer (PHY) 202A of 6G provides transport channels to the 6G MAC sublayer 204A, which in turn provides logical channels to the 6G RLC sublayer 206A. The 6G RLC sublayer 206A in turn provides RLC channels to a 6G PDCP sublayer 208A. The 6G PDCP sublayer 208A in turn can provide data transfer services to a 6G Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) sublayer 210A or a 6G radio resource control (RRC) sublayer (not shown in Fig. 2). In some implementations, the 6G SDAP sublayer 210A can be omitted. In such cases, the PDCP sublayer 208 A may support functionalities of the SDAP sublayer 210A. The UE 102, in some implementations, supports both the 6G and the NR stack as shown in Fig. 2, to support handover between 6G and NR base stations and / or to support DC over 6G and NR interfaces.

[0060] The 6G PDCP sublayer 208A and the NR PDCP sublayer 208B receive packets (e.g., from an Internet Protocol (IP) layer, layered directly or indirectly over the PDCP layer 208A or 208B) that can be referred to as service data units (SDUs), and output packets (e.g., to the RLC layer 206A or 206B) that can be referred to as protocol data units (PDUs).Except where the difference between SDUs and PDUs is relevant, this disclosure for simplicity refers to both SDUs and PDUs as “packets.”

[0061] On a control plane, the 6G PDCP sublayer 208A and the NR PDCP sublayer 208B can provide signaling radio bearers (SRBs) or RRC sublayer (not shown in Fig. 2) to exchange RRC messages or non-access-stratum (NAS) messages, for example. On a user plane, the 6G PDCP sublayer 208A and the NR PDCP sublayer 208B can provide Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) to support data exchange. Data exchanged on the 6G PDCP sublayer 208 A and NR PDCP sublayer 208B can be SDAP PDUs, Internet Protocol (IP) packets or Ethernet packets.

[0062] In general, wireless communication systems (such as the systems described above with reference to Figs. 1-2) provide various telecommunication services (e.g., telephony, video, data, messaging, etc.) based on multiple-access technologies, such as orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) technologies, that support communication withPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC multiple UEs. During communication between a UE and a RAN, the RAN triggers and executes a handover based on historical measurement result(s) and / or reporting event(s) reported by the UE. This results in a handover process that is reactive by nature. The reactive handover process may be adequate when handover is among macro cells, when UE mobility is low, and when the network is providing certain currently-available services. However, when UE mobility is high, when UE mobility is among micro cells of high density, or when cells provide both existing services and high-data-rate, low-latency services the existing reactive handover scheme may result in increased frequency of unintended events including handover failure, radio link failure, instances of the Ping-Pong phenomenon, throughput loss, early / late handover, etc. There is a need for better support of high-data-rate, low-latency services such as extended Reality (XR) services.

[0063] Methods in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure address these and other concerns. These methods are described referring to several example scenarios in which the base station operating in the system of Fig. 1 transmits a configuration to the UE 102 and later activates a configuration for communication between the UE 102 and base station.

[0064] Referring first to Fig. 3, in a scenario 300, the UE 102 initially communicates 302 with the base station 104 via a cell (e.g., cell 124 (Fig. 1)) on a DL carrier frequency and a UL carrier frequency. The DL carrier frequency and the UL carrier frequency can be the same or different. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 304 indicator(s) of one or more measurement prediction capabilities and / or a measurement prediction applicability reporting capability to the base station 104. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 304 a UE capability IE including the one or more measurement prediction capabilities to the base station 104. In other implementations, the base station 104 receives 306 the one or more measurement prediction capabilities of the UE 102 from an additional base station (e.g., the base station 106 or a different base station) or a core network node (e.g., MME 114 or AMF 164 or 174). In some implementations, the base station 104 receives 306 a UE capability IE including the one or more measurement prediction capabilities from the additional base station or the core network node. In some implementations, the UE capability IE may indicate that the UE supports frequency bands (hereinafter referred to as band(s)) 1, ... , N, where N is a positive integer. The one or more measurement prediction capability indicators indicate support for measurement prediction, where measurement prediction is described in more detail later herein with refence to Figs. 4A-5B. To simplify the description below,PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC “measurement prediction capability” or “measurement prediction capabilities” refers to the “one or more measurement prediction capabilities.”

[0065] In some implementations, the measurement prediction capability applies to all bands that the UE 102 supports. That is, the UE 102 can perform measurement prediction for all supported or configured bands with the measurement prediction capability. For example, the measurement prediction capability is a single capability, i.e., a per-UE capability.

[0066] In other implementations, the one or more measurement prediction capabilities apply to one or more specific bands that the UE 102 supports. That is, the UE 102 can perform measurement prediction for the one or more specific bands with the one or more measurement prediction capabilities. For example, a measurement prediction capability can be associated with a particular band supported by the UE 102. In some implementations, the measurement prediction capabilities include measurement prediction capabilities 1, ..., N for the bands 1, ..., N, respectively. In other implementations, the measurement prediction capabilities include measurement prediction capabilities 1, ..., M for the bands 1, ..., M respectively, where M is a positive integer and M < N. When the UE capability IE does not include a measurement prediction capability for each of the bands M+l, ..., N, this indicates that the UE 102 does not support measurement prediction for the bands M+l, ... , N.

[0067] In yet other implementations, the one or more measurement prediction capabilities apply to one or more specific frequency ranges supported by the UE 102. That is, the UE 102 can perform measurement prediction for the one or more specific frequency ranges with the one or more measurement prediction capabilities. For example, a measurement prediction capability can be associated with a particular frequency range supported by the UE 102. In some implementations, the measurement prediction capabilities include a measurement prediction capability for each frequency range supported by the UE 102. In other implementations, the measurement prediction capabilities include a first measurement prediction capability for one of a first frequency range and the measurement prediction capabilities do not include a measurement prediction capability for a second frequency range. For example, in one implementation, frequency range 1 (FR1) can indicate one of the first frequency range and the second frequency range and frequency range 2 (FR2) can indicate the other frequency range. In another implementation, frequency range 3 (FR3) can indicate one of the first frequency range and the second frequency range and FR2 can indicate the other frequency range and measurement prediction capabilities can be provided for each ofPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC FR3 and FR2. The measurement prediction capabilities may or may not include a third measurement prediction capability for FR1. In yet another implementation, one of the first frequency range and the second range can be indicated as FR1 and the other can be indicated as FR3, and measurement prediction capabilities can be provided for each of FR1 and FR3, and the measurement prediction capabilities may or may not include a third measurement prediction capability for FR2.

[0068] In some implementations, the one or more measurement prediction capabilities 304, 306 include at least one first measurement prediction capability, where each of the at least one first measurement prediction capability indicates support of temporal domain (i.e., timedomain) measurement prediction. The temporal domain measurement prediction is illustrated in Figs. 4A-4C. Examples and implementations described above can apply to the at least first measurement prediction capability.

[0069] In some implementations, the one or more measurement prediction capabilities include at least one second measurement prediction capability, where each of the at least one second measurement prediction capability indicates support of frequency-domain measurement prediction. The frequency-domain measurement prediction is illustrated in Figs.5A-5B. Examples and implementations described above can apply to the at least first measurement prediction capability. In some implementations, the at least one second measurement prediction capability includes measurement prediction capabilities 1, ..., N-L, which are associated with the band N, for the bands 1, ..., N-l, respectively. L is a positive integer and 0 < L < N. That is, the UE 102 can perform measurement prediction for the bands 1, ..., N-l, while the UE 102 communicates with a RAN (e.g., the base station 104) on one or more carrier frequencies belonging to the band N. In some implementations, the at least one second measurement prediction capability includes measurement prediction capabilities for some of the bands 1, ... , N, which are associated with one of the other bands 1, ... , N.

[0070] In some implementations, the measurement prediction applicability reporting capability indicates that the UE 102 is capable of applicability reporting for measurement prediction such as event 318. The UE capability IE may include the measurement prediction applicability reporting capability.

[0071] After event 304 or 306, the base station 104 transmits 308 a first measurement configuration, a first measurement prediction configuration, and / or a measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration to the UE 102, e.g., in one or more messages. The UEPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC 102 may transmit, to the base station 104, a response message 104 in response to each of the one or more messages 308. In some implementations, the one or more messages 308 may be one or more RRC reconfiguration messages and the one or more response messages may be a RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0072] In some implementations, the first measurement configuration configures measurement and reporting that are based on a first measurement object and a first report configuration, respectively. In such cases, the first measurement configuration includes the first measurement object and the first report configuration. The base station 104 transmits 308, to the UE, the first measurement object and the first report configuration , although the base station 104 can also transmit measurement objects in one or more other messages (e.g., RRC reconfiguration messages). In some implementations, the first measurement configuration includes a first measurement ID, a first measurement object ID, and / or a first report configuration ID. The first measurement ID indicates the first measurement configuration, and the first measurement object ID indicates a first measurement object. In some implementations, the first measurement object indicates a first frequency / time location and / or a first subcarrier spacing of reference signal(s) to be measured. The first report configuration ID indicates the first report configuration. In some implementations, the first measurement configuration configures inter-frequency measurements. In other implementations, the first measurement configuration configures intra-frequency measurements.

[0073] In some implementations, the base station 104 transmits 308, to the UE 102, the first measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration in response to the measurement prediction applicability reporting capability. In other implementations, the base station 104 transmits 308, to the UE 102, the measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration in response to receiving the measurement prediction capability. In some implementations, the base station 104 transmits 308, to the UE 102, the first measurement prediction configuration in response to receiving the measurement prediction capability.

[0074] In some implementations, the base station 104 may transmit 308, to the UE 102, an additional measurement configuration . In some implementations, the additional measurement configuration configures measurement and reporting that are based on an additional measurement object and an additional report configuration, respectively. In such cases, the additional measurement configuration consists of the additional measurementPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC object and the additional report configuration. The base station 104 transmits 308, to the UE 102, the measurement object and the first report configuration, although the base station 104 may transmit the measurement object and the first report configuration in one or more other messages (e.g., RRC reconfiguration messages). In some implementations, the additional measurement configuration includes an additional measurement ID, an additional measurement object ID, and / or an additional report configuration ID. The additional measurement ID indicates the additional measurement configuration, and the additional measurement object ID indicates an additional measurement object. In some implementations, the additional measurement object indicates an additional frequency / time location and / or an additional subcarrier spacing of reference signal(s) to be measured. The additional report configuration ID indicates the additional report configuration. In some implementations, the additional measurement configuration configures inter-frequency measurements. In other implementations, the additional measurement configuration configures intra-frequency measurements.

[0075] The UE 102 performs 310 first measurements. In some implementations, the UE 102 performs 310 the first measurements based on (e.g., in response to) the first measurement configuration. For example, the UE 102 performs the first measurements based on (e.g., in accordance with) the first measurement object. In other implementations, the UE 102 performs 310 the first measurements based on the additional measurement configuration. For example, the UE 102 performs 310 the first measurements based on (e.g., in accordance with) the additional measurement object. The UE 102 generates 312 at least one first measurement result based on the first measurements 310 and without using measurement prediction. In some implementations, the UE 102 obtains intermediate measurement results from the first measurements and generates the at least one first measurement result using the intermediate measurement results as described for Fig. 13.

[0076] In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 314 a first measurement report including the at least one first measurement result. When the UE 102 performs the first measurements based on the first measurement configuration, the UE 102 transmits 314 the first measurement report in accordance with the first report configuration. In some implementations, the additional measurement configuration or the additional report configuration configures a first reporting event for an event-triggered measurement reporting. The UE 102 determines that the first reporting event occurs based on the at least one first measurement result. In response to the determination, the UE 102 transmits 314, to the basePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC station 104, the first measurement report. In other implementations, the first report configuration configures a periodic measurement reporting. In such cases, the UE 102 transmits 314 the first measurement report upon occurrence of a periodicity (e.g., expiry of a periodic timer). The first report configuration configures the periodicity. In some implementations, the first measurement report or the at least one first measurement result includes a first reporting event ID that identifies the first reporting event. In some implementations, the first report configuration includes the first reporting event ID.

[0077] When the UE 102 performs the first measurements based on the additional measurement configuration, the UE 102 transmits 314 the first measurement report in accordance with the additional report configuration. In some implementations, the additional measurement configuration or the additional report configuration configures an additional reporting event for an event-triggered measurement reporting. The UE 102 determines that the additional reporting event occurs based on the at least one first measurement result. In response to the determination, the UE 102 transmits 314, to the base station 104, the first measurement report. In other implementations, the additional report configuration configures a periodic measurement reporting. In such cases, the UE 102 transmits 314 the first measurement report upon occurrence of a periodicity (e.g., expiry of a periodic timer). The additional report configuration configures the periodicity. In some implementations, the first measurement report or the at least one first measurement result includes an additional reporting event ID that identifies the additional reporting event. In some implementations, the additional report configuration includes the additional reporting event ID.

[0078] In some implementations, the at least one first measurement result indicates a signal strength, and / or a signal quality. For example, the at least one first measurement result includes the additional reporting event ID that identifies the additional reporting event. In another example, the at least one first measurement result includes a value of reference signal received power (RSRP) indicating a signal strength. In yet another example, the at least one first measurement result includes a value of reference signal received quality (RSRQ) indicating a signal quality. In yet another example, the at least one first measurement result includes a value of signal to noise and interference ratio (SINR).

[0079] The events 310, 312, and 314 are collectively referred to in Fig. 3 as a measurement without prediction procedure 382.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0080] While communicating with the base station 104, the UE 102 determines 316 whether measurement prediction is applicable. In some implementations, after event 308, the UE 102 determines 316 whether measurement prediction is applicable to the first measurement configuration. In one implementation, the UE 102 determines 316 whether measurement prediction is applicable to the first measurement object. In another implementation, the UE 102 determines 316 whether measurement prediction is applicable to the first report configuration. In some implementations, the UE 102 makes the determination 316 after (e.g., in response to) receiving the first measurement prediction configuration. In other implementations, the UE 102 makes the determination 316 after (e.g., in response to) receiving the measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration. In yet other implementations, the UE 102 makes the determination 316 after (e.g., in response to) receiving the first measurement object. In yet other implementations, the UE 102 makes the determination 316 after (e.g., in response to) receiving the first report configuration.

[0081] If the UE 102 determines 316 that measurement prediction is applicable, the UE 102 transmits 318, to the base station 104, an applicability indication message indicating that measurement prediction is applicable. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes, in the applicability indication message, an applicable indication indicating measurement prediction is applicable. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes at least one first identity / identifier (ID) in the applicability indication message. In some implementations, the at least one first ID includes the first measurement ID, the first measurement object ID, the first report configuration ID, and / or the first reporting event ID to indicate that measurement prediction is applicable to the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID respectively. In other implementations, the at least one first ID includes an ID of the first measurement prediction configuration to indicate that the measurement prediction configured by the first measurement prediction configuration is applicable.

[0082] In some implementations, the UE 102 includes a second measurement prediction configuration in the applicability indication message. In some implementations, the second measurement prediction configuration is a measurement prediction configuration suggested or preferred by the UE 102. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 318 the second measurement prediction configuration because the second measurement prediction configuration enables a high prediction accuracy. When the UE 102 receives, from the base station 104, the first measurement prediction configuration, the second measurementPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC prediction configuration may be different from the first measurement prediction configuration. Alternatively, the second measurement prediction configuration may be the same as the first measurement prediction configuration. In some implementations, the second measurement prediction configuration can be considered a preferred measurement prediction configuration indicated by the UE 102. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 318 the second measurement prediction configuration because the second measurement prediction configuration has a prediction accuracy higher than the first measurement prediction configuration. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits the second measurement prediction configuration for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID. In some implementations, if the UE 102 is satisfied with the first measurement prediction configuration, the UE 102 does not include the second measurement prediction configuration in the applicability indication message. In such cases, the applicability indication message without a measurement prediction configuration may indicate that measurement prediction is applicable based on the first measurement prediction configuration.

[0083] In some implementations, after (e.g., in response to) receiving 318 the applicability indication message, the base station 104 transmits 320, to the UE 102, a first message. The UE 102 may transmit, to the base station 104, a first response message in response to the first message. For example, the first message and the first response message are a RRC reconfiguration message and a RRC reconfiguration complete message, respectively. In some implementations, the first message indicates enabling (e.g., activating) measurement prediction for the first measurement configuration and / or the first measurement object. In some implementations, the first message includes a third measurement prediction configuration. In some implementations, the third measurement prediction configuration updates (e.g., augments, modifies, or replaces) the first or second measurement prediction configuration. The base station 104 may generate the third measurement prediction configuration based on the second measurement prediction configuration. The UE 102 updates the first or second measurement prediction configuration with the third measurement prediction configuration. When the base station 104 does not transmit the first measurement prediction configuration and the UE 102 does not transmit the second measurement prediction configuration, the UE 102 may apply the third measurement prediction configuration directly.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0084] In other implementations, the base station 104 may omit a measurement prediction configuration in the first message or refrain from transmitting the first message to the UE 102 because the base station 104 determines to configure or configures the UE 102 to apply the second measurement prediction configuration. Alternatively, the base station 104 may omit the measurement prediction configuration in the first message or refrain from transmitting the first message because the base station 104 determines to configure or configures the UE 102 to apply the first measurement prediction configuration.

[0085] After events 316, 318 and / or 320, the UE 102 continuously performs 322 second measurements. In some implementations, the UE 102 performs 322 the second measurements based on (e.g., in response to) the first measurement configuration. For example, the UE 102 performs the first measurements based on (e.g., in accordance with) the first measurement object. In other implementations, the UE 102 performs 322 the second measurements based on the additional measurement configuration. For example, the UE 102 performs the first measurements based on (e.g., in accordance with) the additional measurement object.

[0086] The UE 102 generates 324 at least one second measurement result based on the second measurements and without using measurement prediction. In some implementations, the UE 102 obtains intermediate measurement results from the second measurements and generates the at least one second measurement result using the intermediate measurement results as described with reference to Fig. 13. The UE 102 then may predict 326 one or more measurement results based on the at least one second measurement result. In some implementations, the one or more predicted measurement results includes a reporting event ID (e.g., the first reporting event ID), one or more signal strength values (e.g., RSRP values), one or more signal quality values (e.g., RSRQ values), and / or one or more SINR values.

[0087] In some implementations, the UE 102 may transmit 328, to the base station 104, a second measurement report including the predicted one or more measurement results. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 328 the second measurement report in accordance with the first report configuration. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes a prediction indication in the second measurement report to indicate that the predicted one or more measurement results. In such cases, the UE 102 omits a prediction indication in the first measurement report because the first measurement report does not include a predicted measurement result. In other implementations, the UE 102 may include the predicted one or more measurement results in a first IE in the second measurement report. The first IE may bePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC defined specifically to include one or more predicted measurement results. In such cases, the UE includes the at least one first measurement result in a second IE in the first measurement report. The second IE may be defined to include one or more non-predicted measurement results (i.e., measured measurement results). In yet other implementations, the UE 102 does not indicate whether measurement result(s) in the first measurement report and the second measurement report are predicted by measurement prediction. For example, the first measurement report and the second measurement report do not include a prediction indication.

[0088] In some implementations, the UE 102 includes the at least one second measurement result in the second measurement report. In other implementations, the UE 102 refrains from including the at least one second measurement result in the second measurement report. In some implementations, after enabling the measurement prediction, the UE 102 may transmit, to the base station 104, at least one third measurement report associated with the first measurement configuration or the first report configuration. Each of the at least one third measurement report includes at least one actual measurement result (i.e., not a predicated measurement result), and does not include a predicated measurement result.

[0089] In some implementations, a measurement prediction configuration (e.g., the first, second or third measurement prediction configuration) includes one or more configuration parameters for measurement prediction. In one implementation, the measurement prediction configuration includes a first parameter configuring a length of a prediction window. In another implementation, the measurement prediction configuration includes a second parameter configuring a length of an observation window. In yet another implementation, the measurement prediction configuration includes a third parameter configuring the number of measurement results used for measurement prediction. In yet another implementation, the measurement prediction configuration includes a fourth parameter configuring the number of measurement results predicted in the measurement prediction. In yet another implementation, the measurement prediction configuration includes a fifth parameter configuring an accuracy rate (e.g., a probability) for measurement prediction. The UE determines 316 whether measurement prediction is applicable based on the accuracy rate. For example, if the UE determines 316 accuracy of measurement prediction is below the accuracy rate, the UE determines measurement prediction is not applicable to the first measurement configuration or the first measurement object. If the UE determines 316 accuracy of measurementPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC prediction is above or equal to the accuracy rate, the UE determines measurement prediction is applicable to the first measurement configuration or the first measurement object.

[0090] In some implementations, the UE 102 receives a second measurement configuration from the base station 104. Descriptions above for the first measurement configuration can apply to the second measurement configuration. The second measurement configuration includes a second measurement ID, a second measurement object ID, and / or a second report configuration ID. The second measurement ID indicates the second measurement configuration, and the second measurement object ID indicates a second measurement object. In some implementations, the second measurement object indicates a second frequency / time location and / or a second subcarrier spacing of reference signal(s) to be measured. The second report configuration ID indicates a second report configuration for measurement reporting. The second subcarrier spacing may be the same as or different from the first subcarrier spacing. The second measurement configuration or the second report configuration may include a second reporting event ID indicating a second reporting event. The second reporting event (ID) may be the same as or different from the first reporting event (ID). In some implementations, the UE 102 determines whether measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration, similar to the descriptions with respect to event 316. In cases in which the UE 102 does not support measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration, the UE 102 performs measurements based on the second measurement configuration and generates one or more measurement results based on the measurements and without using measurement prediction, as described with reference to events 310 and 312. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes the one or more measurement results in the second measurement report. In the second measurement report, the UE 102 may indicate the one or more measurement results are based on measurements performed by the UE 102, e.g., by omitting or refraining from including a prediction indication for the one or more measurement results.

[0091] In some implementations, the UE 102 determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration. In some implementations, the UE 102 indicates that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, and / or the second report configuration in the applicability indication message (i.e., a first applicability indication message) 316. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes at least one second ID in the first applicability indication message, e.g., indicating measurement prediction is applicable to the secondPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC measurement configuration, the second measurement object and / or the second report configuration. In some implementations, the at least one second ID includes the second measurement ID, the second measurement object ID, the second report configuration ID, and / or the second reporting event ID to indicate that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID respectively. In other implementations, the at least one second ID includes an ID of the second measurement prediction configuration to indicate that the measurement prediction configured by the second measurement prediction configuration is applicable.

[0092] In other implementations, the UE 102 transmits, to the base station 104, a second applicability indication message indicating that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration, similar to the event 316. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes the at least one second ID in the second applicability indication message.

[0093] In some implementations, the UE 102 may receive, from the base station 104, one or more additional measurement prediction configurations enabling measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration and / or the second measurement object as described for events 308 and / or 320. In some implementations, the UE 102 may transmit a fourth measurement prediction configuration to the base station 104, similar to the second measurement prediction configuration.

[0094] In some implementations, the measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration is the same as the measurement prediction for the first measurement configuration. For example, the measurement predictions for the first and second measurement configurations are as described with reference to Fig. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5 A, or 5B. In such cases, the UE 102 may use the same AI / ML model for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration. In some implementations, the AEML model may use the same parameters for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration. In other implementations, the AI / ML model may use different parameters for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration.

[0095] In other implementations, the measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration is different from the measurement prediction for the first measurementPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC configuration. For example, one of the measurement predictions for the first and second measurement configurations is as described for one of Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, and 5B, and the other is as described for another of Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5 A, and 5B. In such cases, the UE 102 uses different AI / ML models for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration. Alternatively, the UE 102 uses the same AI / ML model for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration. In some implementations, the AI / ML model may use the same parameters for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration. In other implementations, the AI / ML model may use different parameters for the measurement predictions for the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration.

[0096] The events 322, 324, 326, and 328 are collectively referred to in Fig. 3 as a measurement with prediction procedure 384. The events 302, 304, 306, 308, 382, 316, 318, 320, and 384 are collectively referred to in Fig. 3 as a measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure 380.

[0097] Figs. 4A-4C illustrate example implementations in which a UE predicts continuous measurement results of a carrier frequency in a prediction window (PW) based on continuous historical measurement results of the carrier frequency in an observation window (OW). Note, the historical measurement results in the OW are actual measurement results obtained by a UE based on measurements performed by the UE.

[0098] Fig. 4A illustrates a certain mode or operational state of the UE, e.g., the calibration mode during which the UE trains or tunes an ML model. OW 490 A includes a certain number of consecutive observations (measurements) Oi, O2, ... ON, where N >= 1. PW 492A includes a certain number of consecutive predictions Pi, P2, ... PM, where M >= 1. In this example, N = M = 4, but in general the observation and prediction windows need not be of the same size, and the values of N and M can be any suitable positive integers.

[0099] The UE can train the ML model using the Oi, O2, ... ON to generate the predictions Pi, P2, ... PM. Further, as illustrated in this example, the UE can collect observations within another OW 494A at the same time as generating predictions within PW 492A, to generate predictions in PW 496A. In particular, the UE in this example generates prediction Pi based on OW 490A and, for the same frequency (or set of frequencies) and for the same instance of time (e.g., one or more frames, timeslots, symbols), generates an observation O’N within OWPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC 494A. The overlap between PW 492A and OW 494A is one. In other words, the offset between OW 490A and OW 494A is one as measured in observation samples O or prediction samples P. More generally, the offset can be any suitable positive integer smaller than the size of the OW.

[0100] The UE can assess the difference between Pi and O’N to generate a feedback signal for training the ML model. A smaller difference Pi and O’N indicates greater accuracy of predictions, and greater difference accordingly indicates smaller accuracy of predictions. When the overlap between PW 492A and OW 494A is L > 1, the UE can assess the cumulative or average difference between groups of samples {Pi, ... PL} and {O’N, ... O’N-L}.

[0101] In some implementations, the UE starts a new OW (not shown) with an offset of one relative to OW 494A, so that there is an overlap of one between the new OW and PW 496A, similar to the overlap between OW 494A and PW 492A. This approach does not provide power saving at the UE, and the UE in some implementations operates in the mode of Fig. 4 A only when training or re-calibrating the ML model. Alternatively, the UE can start the new OW after the end of PW 496 A, in which the case the overlap between OW 494 A and the PW 492A does not provide power saving for Pi (as the UE continues to expend power to obtain the observation O’N), and results in power saving only for P2 - PN. As another alternative, the UE can start the new OW after the end of PW 492 A, in which case the first observation in the new OW overlaps with the last prediction in PW 496A, to result in power saving for P2 - PN-I.

[0102] Although Fig. 4A illustrates observations O2 and OT for example as distinct observations, these designations can be only logical, and the UE can perform a single observation that belongs both to OW 490A and OW 494A. In this sense, because each prediction is based on a certain number of prior observations, the UE operates OW 490A and 494A as a sliding OW, and accordingly operates PW494A and 496A as a sliding PW.

[0103] When the UE determines that the ML model is sufficiently accurate, the UE can operate without overlaps between OWs and PWs as illustrated in Fig. 4B. In some implementations, the UE is configured to periodically re-enter the mode of Fig. 4A, so as to re-calibrate or fine-tune the ML model. When predictions are sufficiently accurate, the UE can consider the predictions applicable to the relevant carrier frequency and provide an indication of applicability to the RAN.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0104] In Fig. 4B, an OW and a PW do not overlap. Thus, the UE generates predictions within PW 492B based on the observations in OW 490B, and then generates predictions within PW 496B based on the observations in OW 494B. The size of each of the OWs and the PWs is two in this example, and thus the UE generates two predictions based on two prior observations, and expends approximately half the power required to generate observations at each instance of time.

[0105] In general, the OWs and the PWs in Fig. 4B can be of any suitable size, and the lengths of OWs and PWs need not be the same. In some implementations, the UE switches between the modes of Figs. 4A and 4B depending on the accuracy of predictions or based on timing as discussed above.

[0106] Now referring to Fig. 4C, the UE can implement a sliding OW but omit certain observations to save power. In this example, the UE does not obtain an observation during gap Gi, which is an occasion for a potential observation that occurs between two observations, within an OW. The PW in this example spans a single prediction based on three observations within the OW, but the OW spans five observation occasions. In this manner, the UE expends less power to generate the set of observations within the OW.

[0107] Figs. 5A-5B illustrate example implementations in which a UE predicts continuous measurement results of second reference signal(s) in a carrier frequency f2 based on continuous historical measurement results of first reference signal(s) in a carrier frequency fl. In these example implementations, the UE may perform measurements of third reference signal(s) in a carrier frequency f3 while communicating with a RAN on the carrier frequency fl . In some implementations, the UE may perform measurements of third reference signal(s) because the UE does not support measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f3. In other implementations, the UE may do so because the UE determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the carrier frequency f3.

[0108] In some implementations, the UE receives, from a base station, a first measurement configuration configuring the UE to perform measurements of the first reference signal(s). In some implementations, the first measurement configuration configures a first measurement object indicating a first frequency / time location and / or a first subcarrier spacing of the first reference signal(s). The first frequency location may indicate the carrier frequency fl. The UE performs measurements of the first reference signal(s) based on the first measurement configuration and obtains the historical measurement results from the measurements.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0109] In some implementations, the UE may receive, from the base station, a second measurement configuration configuring the UE to perform measurements of the second reference signal(s). In some implementations, the second measurement configuration configures a second measurement object indicating a second frequency / time location and / or a second subcarrier spacing of the second reference signal(s). The second frequency location may indicate the carrier frequency f2. As described with reference to Fig. 3, the UE may determine measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration, transmit an applicability indication indicating measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration to the base station, and / or receive a configuration of enabling measurement prediction for the second measurement configuration from the base station. Thus, instead of performing measurements of the second reference signal(s), the UE predicts continuous measurement results of the second reference signal(s) in the carrier frequency f2 based on continuous historical measurement results of the first reference signal(s) in the carrier frequency fl. For example, as shown in Fig. 5 A, measurement results 590A, 590B, 590C, 590D, 590E, 590F, and 590G of reference signals in carrier frequency fl can be used to predict measurements 592A, 592B, 592C, 592D, 592E, 592F, and 592G of the reference signals in the carrier frequency f2. In some examples, as shown in Fig. 5B, measurement results 590A, 590B, 590C, 590D, 590E, 590F, and 590G can be used to predict two or more of measurements 592A, 592B, 592C, 592D, 592E, 592F, and 592G of the reference signals in the carrier frequency f2. For example, measurement 590A can be used to predict measurement 592A, 592B, 592C and 592D; measurement 590B can be used to predict measurements 592B and 592E; measurement 590C can be used to predict 592C and 592F; measurement 590D can be used to predict 592D and 592F, etc.

[0110] In some implementations, the UE receives, from the base station, a third measurement configuration configuring the UE to perform measurements of the third reference signal(s). In some implementations, the third measurement configuration configures a third measurement object indicating a third frequency / time location and / or a third subcarrier spacing of the third reference signal(s). The third frequency location may indicate the carrier frequency f3. In some implementations, the first, second and / or third subcarrier spacing may be the same or different.[oni] In some implementations, the UE determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement object because the UE supports measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f2 or the secondPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC frequency location of the second reference signal(s). In some implementations, the UE determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the third measurement object because the UE does not support measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f3 or the third frequency location of the third reference signal(s). For example, as seen in Fig. 5A and 5B, measurement prediction is not performed, and measurements are separately obtained, for measurements 594A, 594B, 594C, 594D, 594E, 594F, and 594G of carrier frequency f3.

[0112] In some implementations, the UE determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement object because the UE supports measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f2 based on the carrier frequency fl . In some implementations, the UE determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the third measurement object because the UE does not support measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f3 based on the carrier frequency fl .

[0113] In some implementations, the UE determines a first distance between the carrier frequency f2 (or the second frequency location of the second reference signal(s)) and the carrier frequency fl (or the first frequency location of the first reference signal(s)) is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value. Because the first distance is smaller than or equal to the predetermined value, the UE determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement object. In some implementations, the UE determines a second distance between the carrier frequency f3 (or the third frequency location of the third reference signal(s)) and the carrier frequency fl (or the first frequency location of the first reference signal(s)) is larger than the predetermined value. Because the second distance is larger than the predetermined value, the UE determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the third measurement object.

[0114] In some implementations, the base station determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement object because the measurement prediction capability of the UE indicates that the UE supports measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f2 or the second frequency location of the second reference signal(s). In some implementations, the base station determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the thirdPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC measurement object because the UE capability of the UE or the measurement prediction capability of the LE indicates that the UE does not support measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f3 or the third frequency location of the third reference signal(s).

[0115] In some implementations, the base station determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement object because the measurement prediction capability of the UE indicates that the UE supports measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f2 based on the carrier frequency fl . In some implementations, the base station determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the third measurement object because the UE capability of the UE or the measurement prediction capability of the UE indicates that the UE does not support measurement prediction for the carrier frequency f3 based on the carrier frequency fl .

[0116] In some implementations, the base station determines a first distance between the carrier frequency f2 (or the second frequency location of the second reference signal(s)) and the carrier frequency fl (or the first frequency location of the first reference signal(s)) is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value. Because the first distance is smaller than or equal to the predetermined value, the base station determines that measurement prediction is applicable to the second measurement configuration or the second measurement object. In some implementations, the base station determines a second distance between the carrier frequency f3 (or the third frequency location of the third reference signal(s)) and the carrier frequency fl (or the first frequency location of the first reference signal(s)) is larger than the predetermined value. Because the second distance is larger than the predetermined value, the base station determines that measurement prediction is not applicable to the third measurement configuration or the third measurement object.

[0117] In some implementations, the first measurement configuration and the second measurement configuration described for Figs. 5A-5B are the additional measurement configuration and the first measurement configuration described for Fig. 3, respectively.

[0118] Next, Figs. 6A-6B depict example signal flows for performing measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedures. Generally speaking, similar events in Fig.3 and Figs. 6A-6B are labeled with similar reference numbers that share two least significant digits, with differences discussed below where appropriate. For example, event 380 is similar to event 680 in Fig. 6A, and event 316 is similar to event 616. With the exception of thePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC differences shown in the figures and discussed below, any of the other implementations discussed with respect to a particular event (e.g., for messaging and processing) may apply to events labeled with similar reference numbers in other figures.

[0119] Referring first to Fig. 6A, in a scenario 600A, the UE 102 and the base station 104 perform 680 the measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure as described for Fig. 3. Later in time, the UE 102 determines 616 the measurement prediction is not applicable, e.g., for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object and / or the first report configuration. The UE 102 suspends 630 A the measurement prediction (e.g., the measurement with prediction procedure 384) in response to the determination 616. In some implementations, the UE 102 transmits 619A, to the base station 104, an applicability indication message indicating the measurement prediction is suspended. In response to the applicability indication message 619A, the base station 104 may transmit 621, to the UE 102, a DL message configuring the UE 102 to disable measurement prediction and / or release the measurement prediction configuration. In response to receiving the DL message, the UE 102 disables the measurement prediction and / or releases the measurement prediction configuration, e.g., for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID. While or after suspending the measurement prediction, the UE 102 performs 682 the measurement without prediction procedure for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID. The events 616, 630A, 619A, 621, and 682 are collectively referred to in Fig. 6A as a measurement prediction termination procedure 686A.

[0120] In some implementations, the UE 102 includes at least one first ID in the applicability indication message 619A. In some implementations, the at least one first ID includes the first measurement ID, the first measurement object ID, the first report configuration ID, and / or the first reporting event ID to indicate that measurement prediction is suspended for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration respectively. In other implementations, the at least one first ID includes an ID of the first measurement prediction configuration to indicate that the measurement prediction configured by the first measurement prediction configuration is suspended.

[0121] In some implementations, the base station 104 configures a second measurement configuration for the UE 102 as described for Fig. 3. The UE 102 may enable measurementPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC prediction for the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID, as described for Fig. 3. In some implementations, the UE 102 determines 616 that the measurement prediction is not applicable to the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID. In response to the determination, the UE 102 indicates, in the message 619A, the measurement prediction is suspended for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID. In some implementations, the UE 102 includes the at least one first ID in the applicability indication message 619A as described for Fig. 3. In some implementations, the at least one first ID includes the first measurement ID, the first measurement object ID, the first report configuration ID, and / or the first reporting event ID to indicate that measurement prediction is suspended for the first measurement configuration, the first measurement object, the first report configuration, and / or the first reporting event ID respectively. In other implementations, the at least one first ID includes an ID of the first measurement prediction configuration to indicate that the measurement prediction configured by the first measurement prediction configuration is suspended.

[0122] In some implementations, the UE 102 determines that the measurement prediction is still applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In some implementations, the UE 102 excludes the at least one second ID in the applicability indication message 619A to indicate that the measurement prediction is not suspended for the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. Alternatively, the UE 102 includes at least one second ID in the applicability indication message 619A to indicate that the measurement prediction is not suspended for the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one first ID and the at least one second ID in different fields.

[0123] In other implementations, the UE 102 determines the measurement prediction is not applicable to the second measurement configuration. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one second ID in the applicability indication 619A, indicating the measurement prediction is suspended for the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. Alternatively,PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC the UE 102 transmits, to the base station 104, another applicability indication message including the at least one second ID the measurement prediction is suspended for the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one first ID and the at least one second ID in the same field.

[0124] Referring next to Fig. 6B, the scenario 600B can be similar to the scenario 600A. In response to the determination 616, the UE 102 transmits 619B, to the base station 104, an applicability indication indicating that the measurement prediction is not applicable. After the determination 616 or the transmission 619B, the UE 102 continues to perform 684 the measurement with prediction procedure. In response to the applicability indication 619B, the base station 104 may transmit 621, to the UE 102, the DL message. In response to receiving the DL message, the UE 102 disables 630B the measurement prediction, e.g., for the first measurement configuration. After disabling the measurement prediction, the UE 102 performs 682 the measurement without prediction procedure for the first measurement configuration. The events 616, 619B, 684, 621, 630B, and 682 are collectively referred to in Fig. 6B as a measurement prediction termination procedure 686B.

[0125] In some implementations, the UE 102 determines that the measurement prediction is still applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In some implementations, the UE 102 excludes the at least one second ID in the applicability indication message 619B to indicate that the measurement prediction is still applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. Alternatively, the UE 102 includes at least one second ID in the applicability indication message 619B to indicate that the measurement prediction is still applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one first ID and the at least one second ID in different fields.

[0126] In other implementations, the UE 102 determines the measurement prediction is not applicable to the second measurement configuration. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one second ID in the applicability indication 619B, indicating the measurement prediction is still applicable to the second measurement configuration, the secondPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. Alternatively, the UE 102 transmits another applicability indication message to the base station 104, including the at least one second ID the measurement prediction is not applicable to the second measurement configuration, the second measurement object, the second report configuration, and / or the second reporting event ID. In such cases, the UE 102 may include the at least one first ID and the at least one second ID in the same field.

[0127] Next, several example scenarios are described in Figs. 7A-7G in which the source base station (S-BS) operating in the system of Fig. 1 prepares a handover for a UE with a target base station operating in the system of Fig. 1. In handover preparation in these scenarios, the source base station transmits measurement prediction capability / capabilities, measurement prediction applicability reporting capability / capabilities, measurement configuration(s), measurement prediction configuration(s), and / or applicability indication(s) for the UE to the target base station and the target base station may determine whether the measurement prediction configuration(s) is / are applicable. Generally speaking, similar events in Fig. 3 and Figs. 7A-7G are labeled with similar reference numbers that share two least significant digits, with differences discussed below where appropriate. For example, event 380 is similar to event 780 in Figs. 7A-7G, event 732 is similar in Figs. 7A-7G, etc. With the exception of the differences shown in the figures and discussed below, any of the other implementations discussed with respect to a particular event (e.g., for messaging and processing) may apply to events labeled with similar reference numbers in other figures.

[0128] Referring first to Fig. 7A, in a scenario 700A, the UE 102 and the source base station 104 perform 780 the measurement prediction configuration and reporting procedure as described for Fig. 3. The S-BS 104 determines to prepare a handover for the UE 102 with a T-BS 106. In some implementations, the S-BS 104 makes the handover determination based on the predicted measurement result(s) received from the UE 102. In other implementations, the S-BS 104 makes the handover determination based on the actual (i.e., measured) measurement result(s) received from the UE 102. In response to the determination, the S-BS 104 transmits 732, to the T-BS 106, a Handover Request message for the UE 102 including the measurement prediction capability / capabilities, the measurement prediction reporting capability, the measurement configuration(s), the measurement prediction configuration(s), and / or the applicability indication(s) of the UE 102. In some implementations, the measurement configuration(s) in the Handover Request message include the first measurement configuration and / or the second measurement configuration described withPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC reference to Fig. 3. In some implementations, the measurement prediction configuration(s) in the Handover Request message includes the first, second, third, fourth and / or one or more additional measurement prediction configuration(s) described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0129] Upon receiving the Handover Request message, the T-BS 106 generates a handover command for handing over the UE to a target cell (e.g., cell 126A) of the T-BS 106. In some implementations, the T-BS 106 includes a T-BS configuration in the handover command. The T-BS configuration includes physical layer configuration parameters, MAC configuration parameters, RLC configurations, PDCP configuration parameters, and / or security configuration parameters. In some implementations, the T-BS 106 determines 734 that the measurement prediction(s) is / are applicable. In some implementations, the T-BS 106 determines 734 that the measurement prediction(s) is / are applicable to the measurement configuration(s), and / or measurement object(s), report configuration(s), and / or reporting event ID(s) associated with the measurement configuration(s). In response to the determination 734, the T-BS 106 configures the UE 102 to apply the measurement predict! on(s) configured by the S-BS 104 in the handover command.

[0130] In some implementations, the T-BS 106 includes a third measurement configuration and / or a fifth measurement prediction configuration in the handover command. The third measurement configuration includes a third measurement ID, a third measurement object ID, and / or a third report configuration ID. The third measurement ID indicates the third measurement configuration, and the third measurement object ID indicates a third measurement object. In some implementations, the third measurement object indicates a third frequency / time location and / or a third subcarrier spacing of reference signal(s) to be measured. The third measurement object ID may be the same or different from the first or second measurement object ID. The third report configuration ID indicates a third report configuration for measurement reporting. The third subcarrier spacing may be the same as or different from the first or second subcarrier spacing. The third measurement configuration or the third report configuration may include a third reporting event ID indicating a third reporting event. The third reporting event (ID) may be the same as or different from the first or second reporting event (ID). In some implementations, the fifth measurement prediction configuration configures the UE 102 to enable measurement prediction for the third measurement configuration, the third measurement object, the third report configuration, and / or the third reporting event ID.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0131] In some implementations, the third measurement configuration is a new measurement configuration other than the measurement configuration(s) in the Handover Request message. In other implementations, the third measurement configuration updates the first measurement configuration. In such cases, the third measurement configuration ID and the first measurement configuration ID are the same (i.e., the same value). In yet other implementations, the third measurement configuration updates the second measurement configuration. In such cases, the third measurement configuration ID and the second measurement configuration ID are the same (i.e., the same value). If the third measurement configuration updates the first or second measurement configuration, the T-BS 106 may or may not include a measurement prediction configuration for the third measurement configuration in the handover command. When the T-BS 106 includes the fifth measurement prediction configuration in the handover command, the fifth measurement prediction configuration may update the measurement prediction configuration for the first or second measurement configuration.

[0132] In response to the Handover Request message, the T-BS 106 transmits 736, to the S-BS, a Handover Request Acknowledge message including the handover command. In some alternative implementations, the T-BS 106 receives the Handover Request message from a CN (e.g., the CN 110 or the AMF 164 or 174) and transmits the Handover Request Acknowledge message to the CN. In such cases, the CN receives, from the S-BS 104, a Handover Required message including the measurement prediction capability / capabilities, the measurement prediction reporting capability, the measurement configuration(s), the measurement prediction configuration(s), and / or the applicability indication(s) and includes including the measurement prediction capability / capabilities, the measurement prediction reporting capability, the measurement configuration(s), the measurement prediction configuration(s), and / or the applicability indication(s) in the Handover Request message. After receiving the Handover Request Acknowledge message, the CN transmits a Handover Command interface message including the handover command (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) to the S-BS 104.

[0133] After receiving 736 the handover command, the S-BS 104 transmits 738, to the UE 102, the handover command. After receiving the handover command, the UE 102 accesses the target cell and transmits 740A a handover complete message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration complete message) to the T-BS 106 via the target cell. In some implementations, upon receiving 738 the handover command message, the UE 102 mayPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC determine 716A the measurement prediction(s) is / are applicable and thus not indicate the measurement prediction(s) is / are applicable in the handover complete message. In response to the determination 716A, the UE 102 also refrains from transmitting, to the T-BS 106, an applicability indication message indicating the measurement prediction(s) is / are applicable.

[0134] After transmitting the handover complete message, the UE 102 performs 784 a measurement with prediction procedure with the T-BS 106, similar to the procedure 384. After event 784, the UE 102 may perform a 786 a measurement prediction termination procedure with the T-BS 106, similar to the procedure 686 A or 686B.

[0135] Referring next to Fig. 7B, scenario 700B is similar to scenario 700A except that, in operation 716B, the UE 102 determines that measurement prediction is not applicable and suspends measurement prediction in response to the determination at operation 730B.Subsequently to suspending measurement prediction, the UE 102 transmits 740B a Handover complete message to the T-BS 106 indicating that measurement prediction is suspended. In response, the T-BS 106 transmits 721 a messaging disabling measurement prediction and / or releasing one or more measurement prediction configuration(s). Measurement may proceed at operation 782 without prediction.

[0136] Referring next to Fig. 7C, scenario 700C is similar to scenario 700A and scenario 700B except that, upon determining that measurement prediction is not applicable, the UE 102 transmits 740C a Handover complete message to the T-BS 106 indicating that measurement prediction is not applicable. Then, in operation 730C, the UE 102 disables measurement prediction in response 780 to the T-BS 106 releasing or disabling measurement prediction. Measurement may proceed at operation 782 without prediction.

[0137] Referring next to Fig. 7D, scenario 700D is similar to scenarios 700A, 700B and 700C except that, upon determining suspending measurement prediction at operation 730B and transmitting 740 A a Handover Complete message, the UE 102 transmits 719D, to the T-BS 106, an applicability indication indicating that measurement prediction is suspended.

[0138] Referring next to Fig. 7E, scenario 700E is similar to scenarios 700A-700D, except that upon determining in operation 716B that measurement prediction is not applicable, the UE 102 transmits 740A, to the T-BS 106, a Handover complete message followed by transmitting 719E an applicability indication indicating that measurement prediction is not applicable. The UE 102 and T-BS 106 perform a measurement with prediction procedure 784, after which the T-BS disables 721 measurement prediction and / or releases thePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC measurement prediction configuration. Then, in operation 730C, the UE 102 disables measurement prediction.

[0139] Referring next to Fig. 7F, scenario 700F is similar to scenarios 700A-700E, except that, subsequently to receiving 732 a Handover Request including a measurement prediction configuration, the T-BS 106 can determine 735 that the measurement prediction configuration is not applicable. The T-BS 106 can thereafter transmit 737 a Handover Request Acknowledge message releasing the measurement prediction configuration. The S-BS transmits 739, to the UE 102, the handover command and either disables measurement prediction and / or releases an appropriate measurement configuration.

[0140] Referring next to Fig. 7G, scenario 700G is similar to scenarios 700A-700F. As in scenario 700F, subsequently to receiving 732 a Handover Request including a measurement prediction configuration, the T-BS 106 can determine 735 that the measurement prediction configuration is not applicable. The T-BS 106 can thereafter transmit 737 a Handover Request Acknowledge message releasing the measurement prediction configuration. The S-BS transmits 739 the handover command to the UE 102, and either disables measurement prediction and / or releases an appropriate measurement configuration. In operation 716A, the UE 102 determines that measurement prediction is applicable, and transmits 740G a Handover complete message indicating that measurement prediction is applicable.Measurement may proceed at operation 782 without prediction. The T-BS 106 can subsequently transmit 720 a message enabling measurement prediction and / or measurement prediction configuration. The UE 102 and T-BS 106 perform a measurement with prediction procedure 784 followed by a measurement prediction termination procedure 786.

[0141] Referring next to Fig. 7H, scenario 700H is similar to scenarios 700A-700G except that the S-BS 104 transmits 738H a handover command that does not include T-BS106 measurement prediction configuration. Instead, after the UE 102 transmits 740 A the Handover complete message, the T-BS 106 transmits 741, to the UE 102, a T-BS measurement prediction configuration.

[0142] Next, several example methods, which can be implemented in a UE (e.g., the UE 102 in Figs. 1, 2, 3, or 6A-7G or the UE described for Figs. 4A-5B) or a network (e.g., the RAN 105, the base station 104 or the base station 106 in Figs. 1, 2, 3, or 6A-7G, or the base station described for Fig. 4A-5B), are discussed with reference to Figs. 8A-12B and 14-19. Descriptions described for Figs. 3 and 6A-7G can apply to Figs. 8A-12B and 14-19.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC Generally speaking, similar events in Fig. 3, 6A-12B, and 14-19 are labeled with similar reference numbers that share two least significant digits, with differences discussed below where appropriate. For example, event 316 is similar to event 616 of Figs. 6A-6B, event 716A of Figs. 7A, 7F and 7G, and event 716B of Figs. 7B-7E. With the exception of the differences shown in the figures and discussed below, any of the other implementations discussed with respect to a particular event (e.g., for messaging and processing) may apply to events labeled with similar reference numbers in other figures.

[0143] Fig. 8A illustrates a first example method 800A, which can be implemented by a UE. The method 800A begins at block 808, where the UE receives, from a network, a first measurement configuration and / or a measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration. At block 818, the UE transmits, to the network, a first message indicating measurement prediction is applicable to or enabled for the first measurement configuration. At block 820, the UE may receive, from the network, a first measurement prediction configuration enabling measurement prediction for the first measurement configuration (e.g., event 308 or 320). At block 884, the UE performs a measurement with prediction procedure for the first measurement configuration. In some implementations, the UE performs the measurement with prediction procedure in response to receiving or based on the first measurement prediction configuration.

[0144] At block 816, the UE determines the measurement with prediction procedure is not applicable for the first measurement configuration. At block 830 A, the UE suspends the measurement with prediction procedure in response to the determination. At block 882A, the UE performs a measurement without prediction procedure in response to suspending the measurement prediction. At block 819, the UE transmits, to the network, a second message indicating the measurement prediction is not applicable to or is disabled for the first measurement configuration. At block 821, the UE receives, from the network, a third message disabling measurement prediction and / or releasing the measurement prediction configuration for the first measurement configuration.

[0145] Fig. 8B is a flow diagram of an example method 800B similar to the method 800A, except that the method 800B includes blocks 830B and 882B instead of block 830A and 882A. At block 830B, the UE disables the measurement with prediction procedure in response to receiving the third message. At block 882B, the UE performs a measurementPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC without prediction procedure in response to disabling the measurement with prediction procedure.

[0146] Fig. 9 illustrates a first example method 900, which can be implemented by a UE. The method 900 begins at block 984, where the UE performs a measurement with prediction procedure with a network. At block 938, the UE receives, from the network, a handover command configuring a handover. At block 916, the UE determines whether the measurement with prediction procedure is still applicable after the handover. If the measurement with prediction procedure is applicable after the handover (i.e., “Yes” branch of block 916), the flow proceeds to block 985. At block 985, the UE performs the measurement with prediction procedure continuously with the network after the handover. Otherwise, if the measurement with prediction procedure is not applicable after the handover (i.e., “No” branch of block 916), the flow proceeds to block 930. At block 930, the UE stops performing the measurement with prediction procedure. At block 982, the UE performs a measurement without prediction procedure with the network.

[0147] In some implementations, the UE performs 984, 985 the measurement with prediction procedure in response to receiving or based on a measurement prediction configuration. In some implementations, the UE receives the measurement prediction configuration from the network (e.g., event 308 or 320). In other implementations, the UE transmits, to the network, the measurement prediction configuration (e.g., event 318). In some implementations, the UE receives, from the network, a message configuring the UE to stop performing the measurement with prediction procedure (e.g., event 621). The UE stops performing 930 the measurement with prediction procedure in response to receiving the message (e.g., event 630B). In other implementations, the UE 102 determines to stop performing the measurement with prediction procedure and stops performing the measurement with prediction procedure (e.g., event 630A).

[0148] Fig. 10 illustrates an example method 1000, which can be implemented by a network. The method 1000 begins at block 1008, where the network transmits, to a UE, a first measurement configuration and / or a measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration. At block 1018, the network receives, from the UE, a first message indicating measurement prediction is applicable to or enabled for the first measurement configuration. At block 1020, the network may transmit, to the UE, a first measurement prediction configuration enabling measurement prediction for the first measurement configuration (e.g.,PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC event 308 or 320). At block 1028, the network receives a first measurement report message including one or more measurement results generated based on the measurement prediction. At block 1019, the network receives, from the UE, a second message indicating the measurement prediction is not applicable to or is disabled for the first measurement configuration. At block 1021, the network may transmit, to the UE, a third message disabling the measurement prediction and / or releasing the measurement prediction configuration. At block 1014, the network receives a second measurement report message including one or more measurement results not generated based on the measurement prediction.

[0149] Fig. 11 A illustrates an example method 1100A, which can be implemented by a T-BS. The method 1100A begins at block 1132, where the T-BS receives a Handover Request message for a UE from a network node (e.g., a S-BS or a CN), including measurement prediction capability / capabilities, a measurement prediction applicability reporting capability, a measurement prediction configuration, and / or an applicability indication for measurement prediction. At block 1134, the T-BS determines that the measurement prediction configuration is applicable for the UE. At block 1176A, the T-BS generates a handover command to hand over the UE to a target cell of the T-BS, where the T-BS configures the UE to continuously apply the measurement prediction configuration in the handover command based on the determination. At block 1136, the T-BS transmits a Handover Request Acknowledge message including the handover command to the network node.

[0150] Fig. 1 IB is a flow diagram of an example method 1100B similar to the method 1100A, except that the method 1100B includes blocks 1135 and 1176B instead of block 1134 and 1176A. At block 1135, the T-BS determines that the measurement prediction is not applicable to the UE. At block 1176B, the T-BS generates a handover command to hand over the UE to a target cell of the T-BS, where the T-BS configures the UE to release the measurement prediction configuration in the handover command based on the determination.

[0151] Fig. 12A illustrates an example method 1200A, which can be implemented by a T-BS. The method 1200A begins at block 1232 as described for Fig. 11. At block 1272, the T-BS then includes a measurement configuration in a handover command for handing over the UE. At block 1274, the T-BS determines whether the measurement prediction configuration is applicable to the measurement configuration. If the measurement prediction is application to the measurement configuration (i.e., “Yes” branch of block 1274), the flow proceeds to block 1276A. At block 1276A, the T-BS configures the UE to continuously apply thePATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC measurement prediction configuration in the handover command. Otherwise, if the measurement prediction configuration is not applicable to the measurement configuration (i.e., “No” branch of block 1274), the flow proceeds to block 1276B. At block 1276B, the T-BS configures the UE to release the measurement prediction configuration in the handover command. The flow proceeds to block 1236 from block 1276A as well as block 1276B.

[0152] Fig. 12B is a flow diagram of an example method 1200B similar to the method 1200A, except that the method 1200B includes block 1275 instead of block 1274. At block 1275, the T-BS determines whether the applicability indication indicates measurement prediction is applicable to the measurement configuration. If the applicability indication indicates measurement prediction is applicable to the measurement configuration (“Yes” branch of block 1275), the flow proceeds to block 1276A. Otherwise, if the applicability indication indicates measurement prediction is not applicable to the measurement configuration (i.e., “No” branch of block 1275), the flow proceeds to block 1276B.

[0153] Fig. 13 illustrates a schematic diagram of modules, components or circuitry that can provide an example implementation for a UE to perform reference signal measurements. When the UE is in RRC CONNECTED, the UE measures multiple beams (or at least one beam) of a cell. The UE then averages the measurements results or power values to derive the cell quality. In doing so, the UE is configured to consider a subset of the detected beams. Filtering takes place at two different levels: at the physical layer filtering is done to derive beam quality and then filtering is done at RRC level to derive cell quality from multiple beams. The UE derives cell quality from beam measurements in the same way for the serving cell(s) and for the non-serving cell(s). The gNB may configure the UE to provide measurement reports that contain the measurement results of the X best beams. K beams correspond to the measurements on SSB or CSI-RS resources configured for L3 mobility by gNB and detected by UE at LI. The control points / blocks / modules shown in Figure 13 are further described below:A: measurements (beam specific samples) internal to the physical layer.Layer 1 filtering: internal layer 1 filtering of the inputs measured at point A. Exact filtering is implementation dependent. How the measurements are actually executed in the physical layer by an implementation (inputs A and Layer 1 filtering) is not constrained by the standard.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC A1: measurements (i.e., beam specific measurements) reported by layer 1 to layer 3 after layer 1 filtering.Beam Consolidation / Selection: beam specific measurements are consolidated to derive cell quality. The behavior of the Beam consolidation / selection is standardized and the configuration of this module is provided by RRC signaling. Reporting period at B equals one measurement period at A1.B: a measurement (i.e., cell quality) derived from beam-specific measurements reported to layer 3 after beam consolidation / selection.Layer 3 filtering for cell quality: filtering performed on the measurements provided at point B. The behavior of the Layer 3 filters is standardized and the configuration of the layer 3 filters is provided by RRC signaling. Filtering reporting period at C equals one measurement period at B.C: a measurement after processing in the layer 3 filter. The reporting rate is identical to the reporting rate at point B. This measurement is used as input for one or more evaluation of reporting criteria.Evaluation of reporting criteria: checks whether actual measurement reporting is necessary at point D. The evaluation can be based on more than one flow of measurements at reference point C e.g., to compare between different measurements. This is illustrated by input C and C1. The UE shall evaluate the reporting criteria at least every time a new measurement result is reported at point C, C1. The reporting criteria are standardized and the configuration is provided by RRC signaling (UE measurements).D: measurement report information (message) sent on the radio interface.L3 Beam filtering: filtering performed on the measurements (i.e., beam specific measurements) provided at point A1. The behavior of the beam filters is standardized and the configuration of the beam filters is provided by RRC signaling. Filtering reporting period at E equals one measurement period at A1.E: a measurement (i.e., beam-specific measurement) after processing in the beam filter. The reporting rate is identical to the reporting rate at point A1. This measurement is used as input for selecting the X measurements to be reported.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC Beam Selection for beam reporting: selects the X measurements from the measurements provided at point E. The behavior of the beam selection is standardized and the configuration of this module is provided by RRC signaling.F: beam measurement information included in measurement report (sent) on the radio interface.

[0154] Layer 1 filtering introduces a certain level of measurement averaging. How and when the UE exactly performs the required measurements is implementation specific to the point that the output at B fulfils the performance requirements set in 3GPP TS 38.133. Layer 3 filtering for cell quality and related parameters used are specified in 3GPP TS 38.331 and do not introduce any delay in the sample availability between B and C. Measurement at point C, C1is the input used in the event evaluation. L3 Beam filtering and related parameters used are specified in TS 38.331 and do not introduce any delay in the sample availability between E and F.

[0155] Next, several example scenarios are described in Figs. 14-19 in which a UE operating in the system of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 performs a measurement and prediction procedure. Generally speaking, similar events in Fig. 3 and Figs. 14-19 are labeled with similar reference numbers that share two least significant digits, with differences discussed below where appropriate. For example, event 384 is similar to event 1484 in Fig. 14 and to Fig. 1584 in Fig. 15. With the exception of the differences shown in the figures and discussed below, any of the other implementations discussed with respect to a particular event (e.g., for messaging and processing) may apply to events labeled with similar reference numbers in other figures.

[0156] Referring first to FIG. 14, in a method 1400, a UE can begin by performing 1484 a measurement with prediction procedure for a measurement configuration, similarly to operation 384 of Fig. 3. Next the UE can receive 1460, from the network, a message releasing the measurement configuration. Next the UE can stop 1430 performing the measurement with prediction procedure.

[0157] Next, Fig. 15 illustrates a method 1500. Similarly to method 1400, the UE can begin by performing 1584 a measurement with prediction procedure for a measurement configuration. The UE can receive 1561, from the network, a message updating the measurement configuration. If the UE determines 1562 that measurement prediction is applicable to the updated measurement configuration, the UE can perform 1584 aPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC measurement with prediction procedure for the updated measurement configuration, in a continuous fashion, with the network. Otherwise, the UE can stop 1530 performing the measurement with prediction procedure and then perform 1582 a measurement without prediction procedure for the updated measurement configuration with the network.

[0158] Next, Fig. 16 illustrates a method 1600. The UE can begin by performing 1680 a measurement with prediction procedure for one or multiple measurement configurations. The UE can release 1660 at least one measurement configuration. The UE determines 1663 if any of the multiple measurement configuration(s) remain. If not, the UE stops 1640 performing the measurement with prediction procedure. Otherwise, the UE continues by performing 1685 the measurement with prediction procedure for the remaining measurement configurations.

[0159] Fig. 17 illustrates a method 1700. The network begins by configuring 1780 a UE to perform a measurement with prediction procedure for a measurement configuration. The method 1700 continues with the network configuring 1760 the UE to release the measurement configuration. The method 1700 continues with the network configuring 1730 the UE to stop performing the measurement with prediction procedure.

[0160] Fig. 18A illustrates a third example method 1800 A, which a network can implement. The method 1800A begins with configuring 1880 a UE to perform a measurement with prediction procedure for a measurement configuration. The method 1800A continues with configuring 1861 the UE to update the measurement configuration. The method continues with the network determining 1862 if measurement prediction is applicable to the updated measurement configuration. If the measurement prediction is applicable, the method 1800 stops at 1864. If the measurement prediction is not applicable, the network configures 1830 the UE to stop performing the measurement with prediction procedure.

[0161] Fig. 18B illustrates a method 1800B. The network begins by configuring 1880 a UE to perform a measurement with prediction procedure for a measurement configuration. The method 1800B continues with the network configuring 1861 the UE to update the measurement configuration. The method 1800B continues with the network configuring 1866 the UE to update a measurement prediction configuration.

[0162] Fig. 19 illustrates a fifth example method, which can be implemented by a network. The method 1900 begins with configuring 1980 a UE to perform a measurement with prediction procedure for one or multiple measurement configurations. The method 1900PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC continues with configuring 1960 the UE to release at least one measurement configuration. The method continues with the network determining 1963 if any of the multiple measurement configurations remain. If no, the network configures 1930 the UE to stop reforming the measurement with prediction procedure. Otherwise, method 1900 ends.

[0163] Fig. 20 illustrates a method 2000, which a UE can implement, for indicating whether measurement prediction is applicable in the context of a handover procedure. The method 2000 can include the UE receiving 2038, from a source node of radio access network (RAN), a handover command including a measurement prediction configuration for a target node of the RAN (see e.g., event 738). The indication can indicate that the measurement prediction is not applicable, or the indication indicates that the measurement prediction is applicable. The indication of whether the measurement prediction is applicable can be included in a handover complete message (see e.g., event 740A). The indication of whether the measurement prediction is applicable can be included in a message separate from handover complete message (see e.g., event 719E). The indication of whether the measurement prediction is applicable can include an identifier (ID) of a measurement object to which the measurement prediction applies. The indication of whether the measurement prediction is applicable can correspond to the measurement prediction configuration for the target node.

[0164] The method 2000 can include, prior to the receiving the handover command, reporting, to the source node, predicted measurements according to a first measurement prediction configuration, wherein the measurement prediction configuration for the target node is a second measurement prediction configuration different from the first measurement prediction configuration.

[0165] The method 2000 can include the UE transmitting 2018, to the target node, an indication of whether a measurement prediction is applicable (see e.g., event 718).

[0166] Fig. 21 illustrates a method 2100, which a source node can implement, for providing measurement prediction configurations to a UE in the context of a handover procedure.

[0167] The method 2100 can include transmitting 2132, to a target node of the RAN, a handover request for a user equipment (UE) configured with a first measurement prediction configuration, the handover request including an applicability indication related to the first measurement prediction configuration (see e.g., event 732). The applicability indication canPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC include an identifier (ID) of a measurement object. The applicability indication can include an ID of the measurement prediction configuration. The handover request can further include an indication of a measurement predication capability. The handover request can further include an indication of a measurement prediction reporting capability. The handover request can further include the first measurement prediction configuration.

[0168] The method 2100 can include receiving 2136, from the target node, a handover request acknowledgement including a second measurement prediction configuration (see e.g., event 736).

[0169] The method 2100 can include transmitting 2138, to the UE, a handover command including the second measurement prediction configuration (see e.g., event 738).

[0170] The following list of examples reflects a variety of the embodiments explicitly contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0171] Example 1. A signal measurement method implemented in a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: indicating, to a radio access network (RAN), whether measurement prediction is applicable to a reference signal configured in a cell; and transmitting one or more predicted measurement results for the reference signal according to the indicating.

[0172] Example 2. The method of Example 1, further comprising: receiving, from the RAN, a measurement configuration including an indication of the reference signal.

[0173] Example 3. The method of Example 2, wherein: the measurement configuration includes a measurement object indicating at least one of (i) a frequency location, (ii) a time location, or (iii) subcarrier spacing of the reference signal.

[0174] Example 4. The method of Example 2 or 3, wherein: the measurement configuration includes a configuration for event-triggered measurement reporting.

[0175] Example s. The method of Example 2 or 3, wherein: the measurement configuration includes a configuration for periodic measurement reporting.

[0176] Example 6. The method of any of Examples 2-5, wherein: the measurement configuration includes a measurement prediction configuration.

[0177] Example 7. The method of Example 6, wherein the measurement prediction configuration indicates one or more of: (i) a length of an observation window during which the UE is to obtain observed measurement results, (ii) a length of a prediction window duringPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC which the UE is to obtain the one or more predicted measurement results, (iii) a number of observed measurement results necessary to generate the one or more predicted measurement results, (iv) a number of predicted measurement results to generate in each instance of the prediction window, or (v) an accuracy rate of the measurement prediction to achieve in order to determine that the measurement prediction is applicable to the reference signal.

[0178] Example 8. The method of Example 7, further comprising: transmitting, to the RAN, a LE measurement prediction configuration different from the measurement prediction configuration received from the RAN.

[0179] Example 9. The method of Example 7 or 8, wherein: the measurement prediction configuration received from the RAN is a first RAN measurement prediction configuration; the method further comprising: receiving, from the RAN, a second RAN measurement prediction configuration to augment, modify, or replace the first RAN measurement prediction configuration.

[0180] Example 10. The method of any of Examples 2-9, wherein: the measurement configuration includes a configuration for reporting applicability of the measurement prediction.

[0181] Example 1 l.The method of any of Examples 2-10, further comprising: performing first measurements according to the measurement configuration to generate observed measurement results; and transmitting, to the RAN, the observed measurement results.

[0182] Example 12. The method of Example 11, wherein: the observed measurement results and the one or more predicted measurement results include at least one of signal quality or signal strength.

[0183] Example 13. The method of Example 11 or 12, wherein: the observed measurement results are transmitted according to a reporting configuration included in the measurement configuration.

[0184] Example 14. The method of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the indicating includes: transmitting, to the RAN, an applicability indication indicating whether the measurement prediction is applicable to the reference signal.

[0185] Example 15. The method of any of Examples 1-14, wherein the indicating includes:

[0186] refraining from transmitting, to the RAN, an indication that the measurement prediction is inapplicable to the reference signal.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0187] Example 16. The method of Example 15, wherein: the applicability indication is included in a measurement report that also includes the one or more predicted measurement results.

[0188] Example 17. The method of any of Examples 2-16, wherein: the applicability indication indicates whether the measurement prediction is applicable to the measurement configuration.

[0189] Example 18. The method of any of Examples 2-17, wherein: the applicability indicates whether the measurement prediction is applicable to a certain portion of the measurement configuration.

[0190] Example 19. The method of Example 1, further comprising: transmitting, to the RAN, a capability indication to indicate that the UE is capable of the measurement prediction.

[0191] Example 20. The method of Example 19, wherein: the capability indication applies to each band supported by the UE.

[0192] Example 21. The method of Example 20, wherein: the capability indication applies to a specified band.

[0193] Example 22. The method of Example 20, wherein: the capability indication further indicates that the LTE further supports reporting applicability of the measurement prediction applicability.

[0194] Example 23. The method of any of Examples 20-22, wherein: the capability indication is included in a LTE capability Information Element (IE).

[0195] Example 24. The method of any of Examples 20-23, wherein: the capability indication indicates support of the measurement prediction in a time domain.

[0196] Example 25. The method of any of Examples 20-24, wherein: the capability information indicates support of the measurement prediction in a frequency domain.

[0197] Example 26. The method of Example 1, further comprising: receiving, from the RAN, a prediction enablement message from a base station indicating that the UE is requested to provide the one or more predicted measurement results.

[0198] Example 27. The method of any of Examples 1-26 further comprising: generating a set of intermediate predicted measurement results based on a set of observed measurementPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC results; and generating, using a mathematical function, the one or more predicted measurement results based on the set of intermediate predicted measurement results.

[0199] Example 28. The method of Example 27, wherein: the mathematical function is an unweighted average function.

[0200] Example 29. The method of Example 26, wherein the mathematical function is a weighted average function.

[0201] Example 30. The method of Example 29, further comprising: assigning a larger weight to a first intermediate predicted measurement result than to a second intermediate predicted measurement result within a prediction window, wherein the first intermediate predicted measurement result is more proximate in time or frequency to an observation window than the second intermediate predicted measurement result.

[0202] Example 31. The method of any of Examples 1-26, further comprising:

[0203] generating the one or more predicted measurement results within a prediction window using one or more observed measurement results within an observation window.

[0204] Example 32. The method of Example 31, further comprising: operating the prediction window and the observation window with at least a partial overlap so as to generate at least one predicted measurement result that coincides in frequency and time with at least one respective observed measurement result.

[0205] Example 33. The method of Example 32, further comprising: measuring an error using the at least one predicted measurement result that coincides in frequency and time with the at least one respective observed measurement result.

[0206] Example 34. The method of Example 31 or 32, wherein: the operating the prediction window and the observation window with the overlap corresponds to a calibration mode; the method further comprising: operating the prediction window and the observation window with no overlap in a power-saving mode.

[0207] Example 35. The method of any of Examples 31-34, wherein: the observation window includes N occasions for generating observed measurement results, N> =1.

[0208] Example 36. The method of Example 35, further comprising: generating respective observed measurement results for each of the N occasions.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0209] Example 37. The method of Example 35, further comprising: generating respective observed measurement results for only a subset of the N occasions.

[0210] Example 38. The method of any of Examples 35-37, wherein: the prediction window includes N occasions for generating predicted measurement results, N> =1.

[0211] Example 39. The method of any of Examples 35-39, wherein: the prediction window includes AT occasions for generating predicted measurement results, N> M> =1.

[0212] Example 40. The method of any of Examples 31-39, wherein: the prediction window and the observation window are associated with a same frequency.

[0213] Example 41. The method of any of Examples 31-40, wherein: the prediction window and the observation window are associated with different respective frequencies.

[0214] Example 42. A method for supporting signal measurement at a user equipment (UE), the method implemented in a radio access network (RAN) node and comprising: receiving, from the UE, an indication of whether measurement prediction is applicable to a reference signal configured in a cell; and receiving, from the UE, one or more predicted measurement results for the reference signal according to the indication.

[0215] Example 43. The method of Example 42, further comprising:

[0216] receiving a capability indication to indicate that the UE is capable of the measurement prediction.

[0217] Example 44. The method of Example 43, wherein the capability indication is received from the UE.

[0218] Example 45. The method of Example 44, wherein: the capability indication is included in a capability Information Element (IE).

[0219] Example 46. The method of Example 43, wherein the capability indication is received from a different RAN node.

[0220] Example 47. The method of any of Examples 43-46, wherein: the capability indication applies to each band supported by the UE.

[0221] Example 48. The method of any of Examples 43-47, wherein: the capability information applies to a specified band indicated by the capability information.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0222] Example 49. The method of any of Examples 43-48, wherein: the capability indication further indicates that the UE further supports reporting applicability of the measurement prediction applicability.

[0223] Example 50. The method of any of Examples 43-49, wherein: the capability indication indicates support of measurement prediction in a time domain.

[0224] Example 51. The method of any of Examples 43-50, wherein: the capability indication indicates support of measurement prediction in a frequency domain.

[0225] Example 52. The method of Example 42, further comprising: transmitting a measurement configuration including an indication of the reference signal.

[0226] Example 53. The method of Example 52, wherein: the measurement configuration includes a measurement object indicating at least one of frequency location, time location, or subcarrier spacing of the reference signal.

[0227] Example 54. The method of Example 52, wherein: the measurement configuration includes a configuration for event-triggered measurement reporting.

[0228] Example 55. The method of Example 52, wherein: the measurement configuration includes a configuration for periodic measurement reporting.

[0229] Example 56. The method of Example 52, wherein: the measurement configuration includes a measurement prediction configuration.

[0230] Example 57. The method of Example 52, wherein: the measurement configuration includes a measurement prediction applicability reporting configuration.

[0231] Example 58. The method of Example 52, wherein: the measurement prediction configuration indicates one or more of: (i) a length of an observation window during which the UE is to obtain observed measurement results, (ii) a length of a prediction window during which the UE is to obtain the one or more predicted measurement results, (iii) a number of observed measurement results necessary to generate the one or more predicted measurement results, (iv) a number of predicted measurement results to generate in each instance of the prediction window, or (v) an accuracy rate of the measurement prediction to achieve in order to determine that the measurement prediction is applicable to the reference signal.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0232] Example 59. The method of Example 42, further comprising: transmitting a prediction enablement message to the UE requesting that the UE provide the one or more predicted measurement results.

[0233] Example 60. The method of Example 59, wherein the prediction enablement message includes measurement prediction configuration.

[0234] Example 61.A device comprising a transceiver and processing hardware configured to implement any of the preceding Examples.

[0235]

[0236] The following description may be applied to the description above.

[0237] Generally speaking, description for one of the above figures can apply to another of the above figures. Examples, implementations and methods described above can be combined, if there is no conflict. An event or block described above can be optional or omitted. For example, an event or block with dashed lines in the figures can be optional. The description described from the perspective of the receiving node also applies to the sending node. For example, a description that a receiving node (e.g., DU) receives a message from a sending node (e.g., CU) may be replaced by the sending node sending a message to the receiving node. Similarly, a description that a receiving node (e.g., CU) receives a message from a sending node (e.g., DU) may be replaced by the sending node sending a message to the receiving node.

[0238] In some implementations, “message” is used and can be replaced by “information element (IE),” and vice versa. In some implementations, “IE” is used and can be replaced by “field,” and vice versa. In some implementations, “configuration” can be replaced by “configurations” or “configuration parameters,” and vice versa. In some implementations, the “indication” can be replaced by “indicator,” and vice versa. In some implementations, the “measurement prediction” can be replaced by “measurement prediction function,” “measurement AI / ML inference.” In some implementations, “in a carrier frequency” can be replaced by “on a carrier frequency.” In some implementations, “applicable to a / the (first, second or third) measurement configuration” can be replaced by “applicable to a / the (first, second or third) measurement object associated with a / the (first, second or third) measurement configuration.” In some implementations, “applicable to a / the (first, second or third) measurement configuration” can be replaced by “applicable to a / the (first, second or third) measurement object associated with a / the (first, second or third) measurementPATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC configuration.” In some implementations, “applicable to a / the (first, second or third) measurement configuration” can be replaced by “applicable to a / the (first, second or third) reporting event ID associated with a / the (first, second or third) measurement configuration”.

[0239] A user device in which the techniques of this disclosure can be implemented (e.g., the UE 102) can be any suitable device capable of wireless communications such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a mobile gaming console, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, a health monitoring device, a drone, a camera, a media- streaming dongle or another personal media device, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, a wireless hotspot, a femtocell, or a broadband router. Further, the user device in some cases may be embedded in an electronic system such as the head unit of a vehicle or an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Still further, the user device can operate as an internet-of-things (loT) device or a mobile-internet device (MID). Depending on the type, the user device can include one or more general-purpose processors, a computer-readable memory, a user interface, one or more network interfaces, one or more sensors, etc.

[0240] Certain embodiments are described in this disclosure as including logic or a number of components or modules. Modules may can be software modules (e.g., code, or machine-readable instructions stored on non-transitory machine-readable medium) or hardware modules. A hardware module is a tangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. A hardware module can comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), etc.) to perform certain operations. A hardware module may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. The decision to implement a hardware module in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

[0241] When implemented in software, the techniques can be provided as part of the operating system, a library used by multiple applications, a particular software application, etc. The software can be executed by one or more general-purpose processors or one or more special-purpose processors.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC

[0242] Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional and alternative structural and functional designs for handling mobility between base stations through the principles disclosed herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC What is claimed is:

1. A method in a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:receiving, from a source node of radio access network (RAN), a handover command including a measurement prediction configuration for a target node of the RAN; and transmitting, to the target node, an indication of whether a measurement prediction is applicable.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication indicates that the measurement prediction is not applicable.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication indicates that the measurement prediction is applicable.

4. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the indication of whether the measurement prediction is applicable is included in a handover complete message.

5. The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the indication of whether the measurement prediction is applicable is included in a message separate from handover complete message.

6. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the indication of whether the measurement prediction is applicable includes an identifier (ID) of a measurement object to which the measurement prediction applies.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the indication of whether the measurement prediction is applicable corresponds to the measurement prediction configuration for the target node .

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising:prior to the receiving the handover command, reporting, to the source node, predicted measurements according to a first measurement prediction configuration;wherein the measurement prediction configuration for the target node is a second measurement prediction configuration different from the first measurement prediction configuration.PATENT APPLICATION Attorney Docket No.: 31730 / 308588-01 PC 9. A method implemented in a source node of a radio access network (RAN), the method comprising:transmitting, to a target node of the RAN, a handover request for a user equipment (UE) configured with a first measurement prediction configuration, the handover request including an applicability indication related to the first measurement prediction configuration;receiving, from the target node, a handover request acknowledgement including a second measurement prediction configuration; andtransmitting, to the UE, a handover command including the second measurement prediction configuration.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the applicability indication includes an identifier (ID) of a measurement object.

11. Th method of claim 9, wherein the applicability indication includes an ID of the measurement prediction configuration.

12. The method of any of claims 9-11, wherein the handover request further includes an indication of a measurement predication capability.

13. The method of any of claims 9-12, wherein the handover request further includes an indication of a measurement prediction reporting capability.

14. The method of any of claims 9-13, wherein the handover request further includes the first measurement prediction configuration.

15. A device compri sing :processing hardware; anda transceiver,the device configured to implement a method of any of the preceding claims.

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