Methods for procedure, event or state based measurement reporting

Abstract

Methods, apparatus and systems provide receiving a measurement reporting configuration, said measurement reporting configuration comprising data representative of a plurality of states, corresponding entering conditions for the states and corresponding state specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions; monitoring, based on measurements and the state specific offsets, the entering conditions of the plurality of states; and triggering transmission of a measurement report to a radio access network, RAN, associated with the UE in response to determining at least one entering condition of at least one state is fulfilled based on the monitoring. In other examples, a leave condition for each state is also applied, where monitoring further includes monitoring one or more leave conditions of the states, and the triggering further includes triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple leave conditions for corresponding states are fulfilled based on the monitoring, the measurement report comprising an indication of the state in which the leave condition is fulfilled.

Description

[0001] METHODS FOR PROCEDURE, EVENT OR STATE BASED MEASUREMENT REPORTING

[0002] Field

[0003] Example embodiments may relate to apparatus, devices, methods and computer programs relating to procedure, event, or state-based measurement reporting.

[0004] Background

[0005] There are some limitations and / or issues that exist with measurement reporting of serving and / or neighboring cells by user equipment (UE) to a network apparatus. During varying channel conditions for various events and / or procedures being performed by the network in relation to a UE, a UE may trigger transmission of an excessive number of measurement reports to the network apparatus unnecessarily. This problem further exacerbates as the number of UEs increase for each cell in a network. This can degrade the performance of the network and / or cause it to fail. There remains an interest in addressing these issues and minimizing measurement reporting of neighboring or serving cells for each UE in the network.

[0006] Summary

[0007] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention. Example embodiments relate to apparatus, systems methods and computer programs relating to efficient enter enabled-leave disabled measurement reporting for at least two or more states, each state having a corresponding entering condition and a corresponding state specific offset. Triggering transmission of a measurement report indicating at least one state having the corresponding entering condition fulfilled based on received measurements.

[0008] For example, when multiple states are identified that satisfy the corresponding entering conditions, then an indication of at least one of the states with its entering condition fulfilled is reported in a manner that enables the network apparatus to identify those multiple states for which the entering condition is fulfilled based on the measurements, which triggers the network apparatus to perform corresponding entering actions associated with the multiple states. The multiple entering actions may be performed at the same time, concurrently, and / or substantially concurrently. This provides the technical effect of significantly reducing signalling overhead and latency of performingentering actions due to triggering, in a single measurement report, reporting of all states with entering conditions fulfilled based on the measurements at the same time. This provides further technical effect in reducing latency processing the corresponding entering actions for the states because the network apparatus is able to infer from the indication in the measurement report that the UE triggered the enter condition for all the states fulfilling the entering condition at the same time. Therefore, the network triggers the entering actions related to the states for which the enter condition applies, for example, in one combined pass / execution step.

[0009] Other example embodiments relate to apparatus, systems methods and computer programs relating to efficient enter enabled-leave enabled measurement reporting for at least two or more states, each state having a corresponding entering condition, leave condition and a corresponding state specific offset. Triggering transmission of a measurement report indicating at least one states having the corresponding entering condition fulfilled or leave condition fulfilled based on received measurements.

[0010] For example, when multiple states are identified that satisfy the corresponding entering conditions, or when multiple states are identified that satisfy the corresponding leave conditions, then an indication of one of the states with its entering condition fulfilled or leave condition fulfilled is reported in a manner that enables the network apparatus to identify those multiple states for which the entering condition or leave condition is fulfilled based on the measurements. This triggers the network apparatus to perform the corresponding multiple entering actions or the corresponding multiple leave actions associated with the multiple states. The multiple entering actions may be performed at the same time, concurrently, and / or substantially concurrently. Alternatively, the multiple leave actions may be performed at the same time, concurrently, and / or substantially concurrently.

[0011] This provides the technical effect of significantly reducing signalling overhead and latency of performing multiple entering actions or multiple leaving actions at UE and network node due to triggering, in a single measurement report, reporting of all states with multiple entering conditions fulfilled or multiple leave conditions fulfilled based on the measurements at the same time, concurrently, or substantially concurrently. This provides further technical effect in reducing latency of processing the corresponding multiple entering actions or the corresponding multiple leave actions for the states because the network apparatus is able to infer from the indication in the measurement report that the UE triggered the enter condition for all the states fulfilling the entering condition at the same time, concurrently, or substantially concurrently, or the UE triggered the leave condition for all states fulling the leave condition at the same time,concurrently, or substantially concurrently. Therefore, the network triggers the entering actions related to the states for which the enter condition applies, for example, in one combined pass / execution step; or the network triggers the leave actions related to the states for which the leave condition applies, for example, in one combined pass / execution step.

[0012] A first aspect provides a user equipment (UE), comprising: means for receiving a measurement reporting configuration, said measurement reporting configuration comprising data representative of a plurality of states, corresponding entering conditions for the states and corresponding state specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions; means for monitoring, based on measurements and the state specific offsets, the entering conditions of the plurality of states; and means for triggering transmission of a measurement report to a radio access network, RAN, associated with the UE in response to determining at least one entering condition of at least one state is fulfilled based on the monitoring.

[0013] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the measurement report includes an indication of at least one state fulfilling the entering condition, said at least one state to be reported is determined based on the state specific offsets.

[0014] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the states are ordered in an ascending order based on the corresponding state specific offsets. In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where one of the plurality of states is associated with one of a plurality of state specific offsets, and the enter conditions for corresponding state include an enter threshold associated with the corresponding state specific offsets.

[0015] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the states are arranged in a hierarchical ordering based on the corresponding entering conditions comprising thresholds or corresponding state specific offsets.

[0016] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the enter threshold further comprises a combination of the state specific offset and one or more other values associated with the state or corresponding entering condition of the measurement reporting configuration.

[0017] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, further comprising: means for receiving measurements for a cell in relation to the measurement reporting configuration; means for monitoring, based on the measurements for the cell and thestate specific offsets, one or more of the entering conditions of the states being fulfilled for the cell; and means for triggering transmission of the measurement report comprising data representative of an indication that at least one state that fulfils the entering condition for the cell to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining at least one entering condition is fulfilled for the cell.

[0018] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the measurement report further comprising data representative of an indication of, among the states that fulfil the entering condition, the state fulfilling the entering condition for a cell having the highest state specific offset

[0019] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, further comprising: means for reporting, to the RAN associated with the UE, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of states are fulfilled.

[0020] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the measurement reporting configuration further comprises an indication of how many states and corresponding entering conditions are fulfilled for a neighbouring or serving cell. In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the measurement reporting configuration further comprises an indication how the entering conditions for the states are defined and corresponding values for the states when applying the entering conditions.

[0021] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the values for a state comprises data representative of the state specific offset for the entering condition of a state and the leave condition of the state.

[0022] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the measurement reporting configuration further comprising an ordering or sequence indication defining an order or sequence of entering conditions for the states, wherein the ordering or sequence ensures that a first entering condition for a first state having a lower state specific offset is fulfilled when a second entering condition for a second state is fulfilled having a higher state specific offset.

[0023] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the measurement reporting configuration further comprising an enter threshold indication for an entering condition of a state defining an enter threshold value based on the state specific offset for that state.In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the enter threshold value is based on at least the state specific offset, wherein the entering condition for a state is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding enter threshold value is reached.

[0024] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the enter threshold value further comprises a combination of the state specific offset and one or more other values associated with the state or corresponding entering condition of the measurement reporting configuration.

[0025] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the measurement report further comprises data representative of an indication of a measurement report type.

[0026] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the measurement report further comprising data representative of an indication that more than one states are being reported.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where each state corresponds to a particular procedure of a set of procedures associated with a reporting configuration for an event, the corresponding state specific offset is a procedure specific offset.

[0028] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where each state corresponds to an event of the same event type, wherein each event is associated with a particular procedure from a set of procedures, a measurement identity and corresponding reporting configuration, said measurement identity is associated with the particular procedure, and the state specific offset is an event specific offset.

[0029] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the procedures includes procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch.

[0030] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, further comprising: means for receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, a lower layer triggered mobility, LTM, candidate measurement reporting configuration in relation to one or more candidate cells and the serving cell; means for performing the measurements for the candidate cells and the serving cell; and means for monitoring, based on measurements for the candidate cells and serving cell and the state specific offsets, the entering conditions of the states.In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, further comprising an initial state with an initial condition for a cell, said initial condition is satisfied when none of the enter conditions has been fulfilled, and remaining in the initial state until said initial condition is satisfied.

[0031] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, further comprising an initial state with an initial condition for a cell, said initial condition is satisfied when at least one of the enter conditions has been fulfilled, and remaining in the initial state whilst said initial condition is unsatisfied.

[0032] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, the measurement report further comprises an indication of the state for triggering a network apparatus to perform actions associated with the corresponding states for which the enter condition is fulfilled.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, where the measurement report further comprises an indication of the states for which the corresponding enter condition is fulfilled.

[0034] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, further comprising: said means for monitoring further configured to transition a state machine to a state based on the measurements and enter conditions, the state machine comprising the plurality of states, each state comprising an enter condition associated with an enter threshold, said states are hierarchically ordered based on the state specific offsets, and linked to each of the other states higher in the hierarchy, and transitioning the state machine to the state highest in the hierarchy in which the corresponding enter condition is fulfilled based on the measurements; and said means for triggering transmission of the measurement report further configured to transmit a measurement report based on the transitioned state.

[0035] A second aspect provides a network apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a user equipment, UE, a measurement report comprising an indication of a state associated with measurements, wherein the state corresponds to a plurality of states with corresponding entering conditions and state specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions; means for inferring from the indication of the state a subset of states for which the enter condition is fulfilled; and means for triggering the network apparatus to perform actions associated with the subset of states.In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the second aspect, where the entering condition for a state comprises an enter threshold based on the corresponding state specific offset.

[0036] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the second aspect, where the plurality of states are hierarchically ordered based on the corresponding enter thresholds or corresponding state specific offsets.

[0037] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the second aspect, where each state corresponds to a particular procedure of a set of procedures associated with a measurement reporting configuration for an event, the corresponding state specific offset is a procedure specific offset.

[0038] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the second aspect, where each state corresponds to an event of the same event type, wherein each event is associated with a particular procedure from a set of procedures, a measurement identity and corresponding reporting configuration, said measurement identity is associated with the particular procedure, and the state specific offset is an event specific offset.

[0039] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the second aspect, where the procedures are associated with the Event A3 and comprises procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the second aspect, means for transmitting, to the UE, a lower layer triggered mobility, LTM, candidate measurement reporting configuration, wherein each candidate cell is associated with the set of procedures.

[0041] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the second aspect, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the UE, a measurement reporting configuration comprising data indicating the states, corresponding enter conditions, and enter thresholds and / or state specific offsets.

[0042] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the second aspect, where the measurement report further comprises an indication of the state highest in a hierarchy of states fulfilling the entering condition for triggering the network apparatus to perform entering actions associated with the subset of states for which the corresponding enter condition is fulfilled.In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the second aspect, where the subset of states further comprising those states in which the enter condition is fulfilled excluding a state for which the enter condition was previously fulfilled prior to receiving the measurement report.

[0043] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the second aspect, the measurement report further comprises an indication of the subset of states for which the enter condition is fulfilled.

[0044] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the second aspect, where the indication of the state in the measurement report corresponds to a state of a state machine comprising a plurality of states, each state comprising at least an enter condition associated with an enter threshold and state specific offset, the states are hierarchically ordered based on the enter threshold or state specific offset and each state is linked to each of the other states higher up in the hierarchy; said means for inferring further configured to infer from the indication of the state a subset of states for which the enter condition is fulfilled based on the hierarchically ordered states in the state machine; and said means for triggering further configured to trigger the network apparatus to perform enter actions associated with the subset of states.

[0045] A third aspect provides a method for a user equipment apparatus comprising: receiving a measurement reporting configuration, said measurement reporting configuration comprising data representative of a plurality of states, corresponding entering conditions for the states and corresponding state specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions; monitoring, based on measurements and the state specific offsets, the entering conditions of the plurality of states; and triggering transmission of a measurement report to a radio access network, RAN, associated with the UE in response to determining at least one entering condition of a state is fulfilled based on the monitoring.

[0046] In some example embodiments, the method of the third aspect, further comprising one or more steps and / or features associated with the UE apparatus of the first aspect, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described.

[0047] A fourth aspect provides a method for a network apparatus comprising: receiving, from a user equipment, UE, a measurement report comprising an indication of a state associated with measurements, wherein the state corresponds to a plurality of states with corresponding entering conditions and state specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions; inferring from the indication of the state a subset of states for whichthe enter condition is fulfilled; and triggering the network apparatus to perform entering actions associated with the subset of states.

[0048] In some example embodiments, the method of the fourth aspect, further comprising one or more steps and / or features associated with the network apparatus of the second aspect, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described.

[0049] In some embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, network apparatus of the second aspect, method of the third aspect, method of the fourth aspect where the measurements comprises one or more from the group of: Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, measurements; Reference Signal Received Quality, RSRQ, measurements; Signal-to-Interference + Noise Ratio, SINR, measurements; Beam RSRP measurements; Beam SINR measurements; Timing Advance measurements; Reference Signal measurements of a cell; and / or any other suitable type of measurements or radio link measurements.

[0050] In some embodiments, the UE apparatus of the first aspect, network apparatus of the second aspect, method of the third aspect, method of the fourth aspect, where the measurements comprises measurements of a neighbouring or candidate cell and / or the serving cell.

[0051] A fifth aspect provides a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method according to the fourth aspect or fifth aspect, combinations thereof, modifications thereto, as herein described and / or as the application demands.

[0052] A sixth aspect provides a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method according to the fourth aspect or fifth aspect, combinations thereof, modifications thereto, as herein described and / or as the application demands.

[0053] A seventh aspect provides an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method according to the fourth aspect or fifth aspect, combinations thereof, modifications thereto, as herein described or as the application demands.

[0054] In some embodiments, the apparatus of the seventh aspect, where the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.An eighth aspect provides a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with the at least one data storage for carrying out a method according to the fourth aspect or fifth aspect, combinations thereof, modifications thereto, as herein described and / or as the application demands. A ninth aspect provides a UE apparatus, comprising: means for receiving a measurement reporting configuration, said measurement reporting configuration comprising data representative of a plurality of states, corresponding entering conditions for the states, corresponding leave conditions for the states, and corresponding state specific offsets for the corresponding entering and leave conditions; means for monitoring, based on measurements and the state specific offsets, either: one or more of the entering conditions of the states; or one or more leave conditions of the states; and means for triggering transmission of a measurement report to a radio access network, RAN, associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions for corresponding states are fulfilled based on the monitoring; and means for triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple leave conditions for corresponding states are fulfilled based on the monitoring, the measurement report comprising an indication of the state in which the leave condition is fulfilled.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the measurement report includes an indication of at least one state fulfilling the entering condition or leave condition, said at least one state to be reported is determined based on the state specific offsets.

[0056] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the states are ordered in an ascending order based on the corresponding state specific offsets. In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where one of the plurality of states is associated with one of a plurality of state specific offsets, the enter conditions for corresponding states includes an enter threshold associated with the corresponding state specific offsets, and the leave conditions for corresponding states include a leave threshold associated with the corresponding state specific offset.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the states are arranged in a hierarchical ordering based on the corresponding entering condition comprising thresholds or corresponding state specific offsets.In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the enter threshold further comprises a combination of the state specific offset and one or more other values associated with the state or corresponding entering condition of the measurement reporting configuration, and the leave threshold further comprises a combination of the state specific offset and one or more other values associated with the state or corresponding leave condition of the measurement reporting configuration. In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, further comprising: means for receiving measurements for a cell in relation to the measurement reporting configuration; means for monitoring, based on the measurements for the cell and the state specific offsets, either: one or more of the entering conditions of the states being fulfilled for the cell; or one or more leave conditions of the states being fulfilled for the cell; and means for triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions are fulfilled for the cell, the measurement report comprising data representative of an indication, among the states that fulfil the corresponding enter condition, the state fulfilling the enter condition for the cell having the highest state specific offset; and means for triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple leave conditions are fulfilled for the cell, the measurement report comprising data representative of an indication, among the states that fulfil the corresponding leave condition, the state that has the lowest state specific offset that fulfils the leave condition.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, further comprising: means for receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, data representative of the measurement reporting configuration indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions or multiple leave conditions for a cell are fulfilled by measurements.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, further comprising: means for reporting, to the RAN associated with the UE, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of states or multiple leave conditions of are fulfilled.

[0060] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the measurement reporting configuration further comprises an indication of how many states and corresponding entering and leave conditions are monitored for a neighbouring or serving cell.In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the measurement reporting configuration further comprises an indication how the entering and leave conditions for the states are defined and corresponding values for the states when applying the entering conditions and leave conditions.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the values for a state comprises data representative of the state specific offset for the entering condition of a state and the leave condition of the state.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the measurement reporting configuration further comprising an ordering or sequence indication defining an order or sequence of entering conditions for the states, wherein the ordering or sequence ensures that a first entering condition for a first state having a lower state specific offset is fulfilled when a second entering condition for a second state is fulfilled having a higher state specific offset.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the measurement reporting configuration further comprising an enter threshold indication for an entering condition of a state defining an enter threshold value based on the state specific offset for that state, and a leave threshold indication for a leave condition of the state defining an leave threshold value based on the state specific offset for that state. In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the enter threshold value is based on at least the state specific offset, wherein the entering condition for a state is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding enter threshold value is reached; and wherein the leave threshold value is based on at least the state specific offset, wherein the leave condition for the state is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding leave threshold value is reached.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the enter threshold value further comprises a combination of the state specific offset and one or more other values associated with the state or corresponding entering condition of the measurement reporting configuration; and wherein the leave threshold value further comprises a combination of the state specific offset and one or more other values associated with the state or corresponding leave condition of the measurement reporting configuration.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the measurement report further comprises data representative of an indication of a measurement report type.In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the measurement report further comprising data representative of an indication that more than one states are being reported.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where each state corresponds to a particular procedure of a set of procedures associated with a reporting configuration for an event, the corresponding state specific offset is a procedure specific offset.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where each state corresponds to an event of the same event type, wherein each event is associated with a particular procedure from a set of procedures, a measurement identity and corresponding reporting configuration, said measurement identity is associated with the particular procedure, and the state specific offset is an event specific offset.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the procedures includes procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, further comprising: means for receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, a lower layer triggered mobility, LTM, candidate measurement reporting configuration in relation to one or more candidate cells and the serving cell; means for performing the measurements for the candidate cells and the serving cell; and means for monitoring, based on measurements for the candidate cells and serving cell and the state specific offsets, either: the entering conditions of the states being fulfilled for the candidate cell; or the leave conditions of the states being fulfilled for the candidate cell.

[0070] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, further comprising an initial state with an initial condition for a cell, said initial condition is satisfied when none of the enter conditions has been fulfilled, and remaining in the initial state until said initial condition is satisfied.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, further comprising an initial state with an initial condition for a cell, said initial condition is satisfied when at least one of the enter conditions has been fulfilled, and remaining in the initial state whilst said initial condition is unsatisfied.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, the measurement report further comprises an indication of the state for triggering a network apparatus to perform entering actions associated with the corresponding states for which the entercondition is fulfilled; or wherein the measurement report further comprises an indication of the state for triggering a network apparatus to perform leaving actions associated with the corresponding states for which the leave condition is fulfilled.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, where the measurement report further comprises an indication of the states for which the corresponding enter condition is fulfilled; or the measurement report further comprises an indication of the states for which the corresponding leave condition is fulfilled.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, further comprising: said means for monitoring further configured to transition a state machine to a state based on the measurements, enter conditions and leave conditions, the state machine comprising the plurality of states, each state comprising an enter condition associated with an enter threshold and a leave condition associated with a leave threshold, said states are hierarchically ordered based on the state specific offsets, and wherein the states each include an enter state associated with the corresponding enter condition and a leave state associated with the corresponding leave condition, said enter states are directionally linked to each of the other enter states higher in the hierarchy of states, and said leave states are directionally linked to each of the other leave states lower in the hierarchy of states, and transitioning the state machine based on: transitioning, when multiple entering conditions are fulfilled, the state machine to the state highest in the hierarchy of states in which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled based on the measurements; or transitioning, when multiple leave conditions are fulfilled, the state machine to the state highest in the hierarchy of states in which the corresponding leave condition is not fulfilled based on the measurements; and said means for triggering transmission of the measurement report further configured to transmit a measurement report based on the transitioned state.

[0075] A tenth aspect provides a network apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a user equipment, UE, a measurement report comprising an indication of a state associated with measurements, wherein the state corresponds to a plurality of states with corresponding entering conditions, corresponding leave conditions, and state specific offsets for the corresponding entering and leave conditions; means for inferring from the indication of the state a first subset of states for which the enter condition is fulfilled or a second subset of states for which the leave condition is fulfilled; and means for triggering the network apparatus to perform actions associated with the first subset of states or leaving actions associated with the second subset of states.In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the tenth aspect, where the entering condition for a state comprises an enter threshold based on the corresponding state specific offset.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the tenth aspect, where the plurality of states are hierarchically ordered based on the corresponding enter thresholds or corresponding state specific offsets.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the tenth aspect, where each state corresponds to a particular procedure of a set of procedures associated with a measurement reporting configuration for an event, the corresponding state specific offset is a procedure specific offset.

[0078] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the tenth aspect, where each state corresponds to an event of the same event type, wherein each event is associated with a particular procedure from a set of procedures, a measurement identity and corresponding reporting configuration, said measurement identity is associated with the particular procedure, and the state specific offset is an event specific offset.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the tenth aspect, where the procedures are associated with the Event A3 and comprises procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the tenth aspect, means for transmitting, to the UE, a lower layer triggered mobility, LTM, candidate measurement reporting configuration, wherein each candidate cell is associated with the set of procedures.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the tenth aspect, further comprising: means for transmitting, to the UE, a measurement reporting configuration comprising data indicating the states, corresponding enter conditions, corresponding leave conditions, and corresponding enter and leave thresholds and / or state specific offsets.

[0082] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the tenth aspect, where the measurement report further comprises an indication of the state highest in a hierarchy of states fulfilling the entering condition for triggering the network apparatus to perform entering actions associated with the first subset of states for which the corresponding enter condition is fulfilled; or wherein the measurement report further comprises an indication of the state lowest in the hierarchy of states fulfilling the leave condition fortriggering the network apparatus to perform leaving actions associated with the second subset of states for which the corresponding leave condition is fulfilled.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the tenth aspect, where the first subset of states further comprising those states in which the enter condition is fulfilled excluding a state for which the enter condition was previously fulfilled prior to receiving the measurement report; and the second subset of states further comprising those states in which the leave condition is fulfilled excluding a state for which the leave condition was previously fulfilled prior to receiving the measurement report.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the tenth aspect, the measurement report further comprises an indication of the first subset of states for which the enter condition is fulfilled; or the measurement report further comprises an indication of the second subset of states for which the leave condition is fulfilled.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the network apparatus of the tenth aspect, where wherein the indication of the state in the measurement report corresponds to a state of a state machine comprising a plurality of states, each state comprising at least an enter condition associated with an enter threshold, a leave condition associated with a leave threshold, and state specific offset, the states including corresponding enter states associated with the enter conditions and corresponding leave states associated with the leave conditions, said states are hierarchically ordered based on the enter threshold or state specific offset, wherein each enter state of a state is linked to each of the other enter states of states higher up in the hierarchy of states, and each leave state of a state is linked to each of the other leave states of states lower in the hierarchy of states; said means for inferring further configured to infer from the indication of the state the first subset of states for which the enter condition is fulfilled based on the hierarchically ordered states in the state machine, or the second subset of states for which the leave condition is fulfilled based on the hierarchically ordered states in the state machine; and said means for triggering further configured to trigger the network apparatus to perform enter actions associated with the first subset of states, or to perform leave actions associated with the second subset of states.

[0086] A eleventh aspect provides a method for a user equipment apparatus comprising: receiving a measurement reporting configuration, said measurement reporting configuration comprising data representative of a plurality of states, corresponding entering conditions for the states, corresponding leave conditions for the states, and corresponding state specific offsets for the corresponding entering and leave conditions; monitoring, based on measurements and the state specific offsets, either: one or moreof the entering conditions of the states; and / or one or more leave conditions of the states; and triggering transmission of a measurement report to a radio access network, RAN, associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions for corresponding states are fulfilled based on the monitoring; and triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple leave conditions for corresponding states are fulfilled based on the monitoring, the measurement report comprising an indication of the state in which the leave condition is fulfilled.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the method of the eleventh aspect, further comprising one or more steps and / or features associated with the UE apparatus of the first aspect, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described.

[0088] A twelfth aspect provides a method for a network apparatus comprising: receiving, from a user equipment, UE, a measurement report comprising an indication of a state associated with measurements, wherein the state corresponds to a plurality of states with corresponding entering conditions, corresponding leave conditions, and state specific offsets for the corresponding entering and leave conditions; inferring from the indication of the state a first subset of states for which the enter condition is fulfilled or a second subset of states for which the leave condition is fulfilled; and triggering the network apparatus to perform entering actions associated with the first subset of states or leaving actions associated with the second subset of states.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the method of the twelfth aspect, further comprising one or more steps and / or features associated with the network apparatus of the second aspect, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described.

[0090] In some embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, network apparatus of the tenth aspect, method of the eleventh aspect, method of the twelfth aspect where the measurements comprises one or more from the group of: Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, measurements; Reference Signal Received Quality, RSRQ, measurements; Signal-to-Interference + Noise Ratio, SINR, measurements; Beam RSRP measurements; Beam SINR measurements; Timing Advance measurements; Reference Signal measurements of a cell; and / or any other suitable type of measurements or radio link measurements.

[0091] In some embodiments, the UE apparatus of the ninth aspect, network apparatus of the tenth aspect, method of the eleventh aspect, method of the twelfth aspect, where the measurements comprises measurements of a neighbouring or candidate cell and / or the serving cell.A thirteenth aspect provides a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method according to the eleventh aspect or twelfth aspect, combinations thereof, modifications thereto, as herein described and / or as the application demands.

[0092] A fourteenth aspect provides a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method according to the eleventh aspect or twelfth aspect, combinations thereof, modifications thereto, as herein described and / or as the application demands. A fifteenth aspect provides an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method according to the eleventh aspect or twelfth aspect, combinations thereof, modifications thereto, as herein described and / or as the application demands.

[0093] In some embodiments, the apparatus of the fifteenth aspect, where the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0094] An sixteenth aspect provides a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with the at least one data storage for carrying out a method according to the eleventh aspect or twelfth aspect, combinations thereof, modifications thereto, as herein described and / or as the application demands.

[0095] In various implementations, there is provided computer program instructions or code, optionally stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium which, when executed by one or more processors of a data processing apparatus, causes the data processing apparatus to carry out the program instructions to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising one or more aspects of the above- and / or below-described implementations (including one or more aspects of the appended claims). In various implementations, there is provided computer program instructions or code, optionally stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium which, when executed by one or more processors of a data processing apparatus, causes the data processing apparatus to carry out the program instructions to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising one or more aspects of the above- and / or below-described implementations (including one or more aspects of the appended claims).In various implementations, apparatus are disclosed that comprise a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, and one or more processors configured to execute the program instructions to cause the apparatus to perform operations comprising one or more aspects of the above- and / or below-described implementations (including one or more aspects of the appended claims). The apparatus may comprise one or more processors or special-purpose computing hardware.

[0096] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0097] Example embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0098] Fig. 1 illustrates an example communication system to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0099] Fig. 2 illustrates an example measurement framework to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0100] Fig. 3a illustrates an example message flow sequence to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0101] Fig. 3b illustrates another message flow sequence of another example method to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0102] Fig. 4a illustrates example conventional enter-leave state logic associated with the measurement reporting;

[0103] Fig. 4b illustrates example conventional enter state logic associated with the message flow sequence of Fig. 3b;

[0104] Fig. 4c illustrates another example conventional enter-leave state logic associated with the message flow sequence of Fig. 3b;

[0105] Fig. 5a illustrates an example measurement framework to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0106] Fig. 5b illustrates an example enter state logic associated with the message flow sequence of Fig. 3b to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0107] Fig. 6a illustrates an example method for a user equipment apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0108] Fig. 6b illustrates an example method for a network apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0109] Fig. 7a illustrates an example measurement framework to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;Fig. 7b illustrates an example enter-leave state logic associated with the message flow sequence of Fig. 3b to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0110] Fig. 8a illustrates another example method for a user equipment apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0111] Fig. 8b illustrates another example method for a network apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0112] Fig. 9a illustrates an example measurement framework to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0113] Fig. 9b illustrates another example method for a user equipment apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0114] Fig. 9c illustrates another example method for a network apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0115] Fig. 10a illustrates an example measurement framework to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0116] Fig. 10b illustrates another example method for a user equipment apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0117] Fig. 10c illustrates another example method for a network apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0118] Fig. 11 illustrates an example enter state logic associated with a generic message flow sequence with n states to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0119] Fig. 12a illustrates an example method for a user equipment apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0120] Fig. 12b illustrates an example method for a network apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0121] Fig. 13 illustrates an example enter-leave state logic associated with a generic message flow sequence with n states to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0122] Fig. 14a illustrates an example method for a user equipment apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0123] Fig. 14b illustrates an example method for a network apparatus in relation to measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied; and

[0124] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus that may be used to implement one or more of the example embodiments.

[0125] Detailed Description

[0126] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to "an", "one", or "some" embodiment(s) in several locations of the text, this does not necessarilymean that each reference is made to the same embodiment(s), or that a particular feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection of an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to apply such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. It shall be understood that although the terms "first," "second" and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0127] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrases "at least one of A or B", "at least one of A and B", and "A and / or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "A, B, and / or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0128] Embodiments described may be implemented in a communication network, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE radio access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS, 3G) based on basic wideband-code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, and enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also called NR), or any future RAT such as 6G. Moreover, communication within the communication network may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0129] As used herein, the term "network device" or "network node" refers to a node in a communication network via which user equipment may access the network and / or which is capable of controlling radio communication and managing radio resources within a cell. The network node or network device may be referred to as a base station (BS), an access point (AP) or an access node. The network device may be, depending on the applied technology, for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low powernode, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, or an aircraft network device.

[0130] Moreover, in connection of split radio access network (RAN), the network device may refer to a centralised unit (CU) of a base station and / or a distributed unit (DU) of a base station. An interface between CU and DU may be referred to as an Fl interface in NR. In the split RAN architecture, node operations may be carried out, at least partly, in the centra l / centra I ized unit, CU, (e.g. server, host or node) operationally coupled to the DU, (e.g. a radio head / node). One CU may control one or more DUs, acting at least as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some embodiments, the DUs may comprise e.g. a radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer, whereas the CU may comprise the layers above RLC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) and an internet protocol (IP) layers. Other functional splits are possible too. In practice, any processing task may be performed in either the CU or the DU and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the CU and the DU may depend on the applied implementation.

[0131] The term "terminal device" or "user equipment" refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example, a terminal device may be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), or a Mobile Station (MS). The terminal device may include a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, USB dongles, an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. A term "resource", as used herein, may refer to radio resources in time domain, in frequency domain, in space domain, and / or in code domain. Some examples of resources include e.g. a physical resource block (PRB), a radio frame, a subframe, a time slot, a subband, a frequency region, a sub-carrier, a beam, etc. The term "transmission" and / or "reception" may refer to wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving via a wireless propagation channel on radio resources.Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a communication network 100 to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The communication network 100 or a cellular communication network may comprise a first network node 102a (e.g., gNB) of a radio access network (RAN) that provides one or more cells, such as cell 104a, and a second network node 102b providing one or more other cells, such as cell 104b. Each cell may be, e.g., a macro cell, a micro cell, femto, or a pico cell, for example. The cell may define a coverage area or a service area of the corresponding access node. The first and second network nodes 102a and 102b are connected to a core network 106 of the communication network 100.

[0132] The first network node 102a may provide a user equipment (UE) 108a (one or more UEs) with wireless access to the communication network 100. The wireless access may comprise downlink (DL) communication from the first network node 102a to the UE 108a and uplink (UL) communication from the UE 108a to the first network node 102a. Examples of uplink channels comprise physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data towards the network 100. Examples of downlink channels comprise physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data towards the UE 108a.

[0133] There may be a plurality of UEs 108a, 108b in the system. Each of them may be served by the same or by different network nodes 102a, 102b. For example, second network node 102b may provide a UE 108b with wireless access to the communication network 100. The wireless access may comprise DL communication from the second network node 102b to the UE 108b and UL communication from the UE 108b to the second network node 102b. Examples of uplink channels comprise PUCCH for transmitting control information and PUSCH for transmitting data towards the network 100. Examples of downlink channels comprise PDCCH for transmitting control information and PDSCH for transmitting data towards the UE 108b.

[0134] In the case of multiple network nodes 102a and 102b in the communication network 100, the network nodes 102a, 102b may be connected to each other via an interface. For example, LTE specifications call such an interface as X2 interface. An interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes may be called Xn interface. The network nodes 102a and 102b may be further connected via another interface to a core network 100 of the communication network. For example, the LTE specifications specify the core network 100 as an evolved packet core (EPC), and the core network may comprisee.g. a mobility management entity (MME) and a gateway node. The MME may handle mobility of terminal devices in a tracking area encompassing a plurality of cells and handle signalling connections between the terminal devices and the core network. The gateway node may handle data routing in the core network and to / from the terminal devices. The 5G specifications specify the core network as a 5G core (5GC). The 5G core may comprise e.g. an access and mobility management function (AMF) and a user plane function / gateway (UPF) and other functions. The AMF may handle termination of non-access stratum (NAS) signalling, NAS ciphering & integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, security context management. The UPF node may support packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection and quality of service (QoS) handling, for example.

[0135] In this example, the first network node 102a provides cell 104a which serves UE 108a, where the cell 104a may be referred to as a serving cell for UE 108a. The serving cell 104a is the main cell that the UE 108a is currently connected to for communication. The network node (e.g., gNB or base station) assigns radio resources from the serving cell 104a to the UE 104a. The serving cell 104a handles uplink and downlink transmissions for UE 104a. Similarly, the second network node 102b provides cell 104b which serves UE 108b, where the cell 104b may be referred to as a serving cell for UE 108b. In this example, the cell 104b provided by second network node 102b may be referred to as a neighbouring cell in relation to UE 108a. Neighbouring cells such as cell 104b in relation not UE 108a are cells around the serving cell 104a that the UE 108a monitors for possible handover. For example, the UE 104a takes signal measurements (or measurements) in relation to the signals from one or more neighbouring cells 104b to determine if a handover is needed. For example, the UE 104a may perform signal measurements including one or more measurements from the group of: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements; Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) measurements; Signal-to-Interference + Noise Ratio (SINR) measurements; Beam RSRP measurements; Beam SINR measurements; Timing Advance (TA) measurements; and / or any other suitable type of measurements or radio link measurements and the like. Similarly, the UE 104a also takes signal measurements in relation to its serving cell 104a (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, Beam RSRP, Beam SINR, TA measurements and the like). If a neighbouring cell's signal becomes stronger than the serving cell then, without limitation, for example a handover may be triggered (e.g., Event A3). Similarly, the cell 104a provided by first network node 102a may be referred to as a neighbouring cell in relation to UE 108b. The UEs 108a and 108b may monitor their corresponding serving cell 104a and 104b, respectively, and their neighbouring cells 104b and 104a, respectively, by taking signal measurements asdescribed for determining when, without limitation, for example a handover may be triggered. In order for a handover to be triggered, the UE 108a or 108b sends measurement reports indicating the signal measurements of neighbouring cells and / or the serving cell to the first network node 102a and second network node 102b providing the serving cell 104a and 104b, respectively. The first network node 102a may determine based on the measurement reports from the UE 108a to trigger handover of UE 108a to the second network node 102b providing cell 104b. Similarly, the second network node 102b may determine based on the measurement reports from the UE 108b to trigger handover of UE 108b to the first network node 102a providing cell 104a. In this manner, as UEs 108a and 108b move from one location to another, they remain connected to the communication network 100 and maintain communications.

[0136] In order for UEs 108a and 108b to perform measurement reports for transmission to the respective first and second network nodes 102a and 102b, the corresponding network node 102a, 102b may transmit one or more measurement reporting configurations defining when and how the UE 108a, 108b should send measurement reports to the network 100 via the first and second network nodes 102a, 102b. These may be defined in a measurement reporting framework.

[0137] Fig. 2 illustrates an example measurement reporting framework 200 to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The measurement framework 200 illustrates the relationship between the measurement identity 202, the measurement object 204 and the measurement reporting configuration (or reporting configuration) 206. A measurement identity 202 is used to link a reporting configuration 206 to a measurement object 204, and while sending a measurement report, the UE 108a sends the measurement identity 202 with the report. Therefore, measurement object 204 and the reporting configuration 206 are not explicitly transmitted. Reporting configuration 206 can be either periodic or event based. In the following examples, event-based reporting is described, where the reporting configuration 206 includes the event type 206a and the related event parameters (e.g., event offset and hysteresis). Finally, measurement object 204 includes the reference signal configuration 204a and cell-specific measurement offsets 204b (such as Ofn and Ocn).

[0138] For example, in 5G New Radio (NR) 3GPP RRC Specification TS38.331, a measurement reporting configuration 200 (also referred to as a reporting configuration) defines when and how a UE 108a should send measurement reports to the network 100. For example, it specifies the Event Type 206a (e.g., A3, A5 etc.), the Reporting Quantity (e.g., RSRP,RSRQ, SINR, etc.), and the Reporting Interval (how often reports are sent). Each event has Event Conditions, which determine when transmission of a measurement report is triggered. These consist of an Entering condition (also referred to as an Entry condition) (when the event becomes true, starting the Time-to-Trigger (TTT) timer) and a Leave Condition (when the event is no longer valid, cancelling the timer). Key parameters include Thresholds (RSRP / RSRQ values for Al, A2, A5), Offset (difference between serving and neighbouring cell signals for A3), and TTT (a stability period before reporting). The measurement reporting framework ensures efficient mobility management, reducing unnecessary signalling while enabling smooth handovers and cell reselection.

[0139] 3GPP RRC Specification TS38.331 section 5.5 and 5.1 provides an outline of the types of measurements that may be performed by the UE 108a. For example, the network (e.g., first network node 108a) may configure an RRC_CONNECTED UE to perform measurements. The network may configure the UE 108a to report them in accordance with the measurement configuration (measurement reporting configuration or reporting configuration) or perform conditional reconfiguration evaluation in accordance with the conditional reconfiguration. The measurement configuration is provided by means of dedicated signalling i.e. using the RRCReconfiguration or RRCResume.

[0140] As an example, the network may configure the UE 108a to perform the following types of measurements:

[0141] NR measurements;

[0142] Inter-RAT (Radio Access Technology) measurements of Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) frequencies;

[0143] Inter-RAT measurements of UTRA-Frequency Division duplex (FDD) frequencies; NR sidelink measurements of L2 U2N Relay UEs.

[0144] As an example, the network may configure the UE 108a to report the following measurement information based on Synchronization Signals (SS) / Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) block(s):

[0145] Measurement results per SS / PBCH block;

[0146] Measurement results per cell based on SS / PBCH block(s);

[0147] SS / PBCH block(s) indexes.

[0148] As an example, the network may configure the UE 108a to report the following measurement information based on Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resources:1

[0149] Measurement results per CSI-RS resource;

[0150] Measurement results per cell based on CSI-RS resource(s);

[0151] CSI-RS resource measurement identifiers.

[0152] As an example, the network may configure the UE 108a to perform the following types of measurements for NR sidelink and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) sidelink:

[0153] Cell Beam Refinement (CBR) measurements.

[0154] As an example, the network may configure the UE 108a to report the following CLI measurement information based on Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) resources:

[0155] Measurement results per SRS resource;

[0156] SRS resource(s) indexes.

[0157] As an example, the network may configure the UE 108a to report the following CLI measurement information based on Co-Channel Interference Reference Signal Received Signal Strength Indicator (CLI-RSSI) resources:

[0158] Measurement results per CLI-RSSI resource;

[0159] CLI-RSSI resource(s) indexes.

[0160] As an example, the network may configure the UE 108a to report the following Rx-Tx time difference measurement information based on CSI-RS for tracking or Positioning Reference Signal (PRS):

[0161] UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement result.

[0162] In addition to the above measurements and the like, the UE 104a may perform measurements including, without limitation, for example one or more measurements from the group of: RSRP measurements; RSRQ measurements; SINR measurements; Beam RSRP measurements; Beam SINR measurements; TA measurements; CBR measurements; Reference Signal measurements of a cell; and / or, any other suitable type of measurements, signal measurements or radio link measurements and the like and / or as the application demands.

[0163] In other examples, the network (e.g., gNB or first network node 102a) may configure the UE 108a to make measurements in accordance with any of the events and associated procedures thereto as outlined in TS 38.331 section 5.5 (e.g., Events Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, Bl, B2, etc.). In 3GPP TS 38.331, there are many different events and event types described. For example, A and B events are used for measurement reporting by the UEto assist with mobility management and handover decisions. The A events (e.g., Al to A6) focus on intra-frequency and inter-frequency measurements, with triggers such as the serving cell's quality improving or degrading beyond thresholds, or a neighbouring cell's quality surpassing the serving cell's quality by a certain offset. For example, Event Al triggers when the serving cell’s quality improves, while Event A3 triggers when a neighbouring cell becomes better than the serving cell by a predefined offset. The B events (Bl and B2) are used for inter-RAT (Radio Access Technology) scenarios, where the UE reports measurements for neighbouring cells in different RATs (e.g., LTE or 3G). Event Bl occurs when the quality of an inter-RAT neighbouring cell surpasses a threshold, and Event B2 is triggered when the serving cell’s quality deteriorates while the inter-RAT neighbour's quality improves. These measurements enable the network to decide on appropriate actions like, without limitation, for example handover or cell reselection, ensuring optimal service, and the like.

[0164] Although various Events Al to A6, Bl, B2 are described herein, this is by way of example only and the skilled person would understand that the methods, apparatus, systems, state machines and / or equivalent frameworks, logic and processes described herein are not so limited and are applicable to any other type of event, procedure when the UE 108a is required to perform measurements and report measurements to the network in relation to at least two or more procedures and / or events and the like.

[0165] In some examples, a procedure may comprise or represent, or generally refer to, one or more signalling messages and / or actions exchanged between network entities and / or devices and the like, e.g., UE and gNB (e.g., a network node), to achieve one or more network functions. As an example, a procedure may be a defined sequence of signalling messages and actions exchanged between a UE and a network node (e.g., gNB) to achieve a specific network function. These procedures ensure consistent operation across different devices and networks. Common examples or procedures include, without limitation, for example the RRC Connection Setup procedure to establish a radio link, the Handover procedure to maintain service continuity during mobility, and the Measurement Reporting procedure where the UE sends signal quality information based on configured events, and / or other procedures such as, without limitation, for example DL Synchronisation, Early UL synchronisation, cell switch, and the like.

[0166] Although procedure has been described as comprising or representing one or more signalling messages and / or actions exchanged between network entities and the like for achieving one or more network functions, this is by way of example only and the it is notso limited, in which the skilled person would appreciate that in further examples a procedure may encompass or mean, without limitation for example a different event the UE monitors for the same cell; the term procedure may also be used herein to distinguish multiple events monitored by the UE for the same event or measurement evaluation; one or more levels of hierarchy to monitor further states in monitoring the measurements for a cell; a procedure may be called, comprise or represent, without limitation, for example an offset, a state, a condition, a measurement level, a signal level, a signal strength, a proximity, a closeness and many more as the application demands. A procedure may indicate the status of the measurement of a cell to the network with different granularity. The measurement can be of any quantity such as RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, CSI information etc., and / or as described herein with reference to Fig. 2 and the like, and / or as the application demands. It is to be appreciated by the skilled person that these various definitions of a procedure are all applicable and / or can be applied using the term "procedure" as defined in any of the examples above to the following examples and / or embodiments of the measurement reporting configurations, apparatus, methods, systems and state machines as described with reference to any one of Figs. 5a to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof, as described herein and / or as the application demands.

[0167] As described herein, the methods, apparatus, systems and processes are described herein in relation to Event A3 which is described, by way of example only, where the methods, apparatus, systems, state machines and / or equivalent frameworks, logic and processes described herein are not so limited. It is to be appreciated by the skilled person that the methods, apparatus, systems, state machines and / or equivalent frameworks, logic and processes described with reference to Event A3 and corresponding procedures (e.g., DL Synchronisation, Early UL synchronisation, cell switch, and the like) may be adapted, configured, modified and applied to any type of Event and for any type of procedures performed thereto in relation to measurement reporting between UE 108a and network node 102a for performing corresponding procedures and / or actions and the like, and / or as the application demands.

[0168] 3GPP RRC Specification TS38.331 Section 5.5.4 defines events that trigger the sending of a measurement report. For example, Event A3 is used to describe the event condition when a neighboring cell measurement becomes an offset better than the serving cell measurement. A simplified version of this event condition is given in the equations below:

[0169] Mn - Mp > Off + Hyst (Entering Condition),

[0170] Mn - Mp < Off - Hyst (Leaving Condition),where Mn (Mp) is the neighboring (serving) cell measurement, Off is the offset value (e.g., an event offset) and Hyst is the hysteresis. Hysteresis value is configured so that the UE 108a doesn't keep triggering the entering condition because of the fluctuations of the measurements. The UE 108a sends a measurement report when the entering condition is triggered and can send a measurement report in case of the leaving condition if reporting on leave is configured or enabled.

[0171] Fig. 3a illustrates an example message flow sequence 300 for Layer 1 Layer 2 Triggered Mobility (LTM) to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. Reference numerals of Fig. 1 for the same or similar features or components may be reused. LTM is a cell switch procedure, where UE's serving cell (PCell or PSCell) is switched by the network by sending an LTM cell switch command. An LTM switch command is currently assumed delivered by MAC signalling using a MAC CE. Hence, not using RRC signalling as a L3 based handover which is one of the current methods for changing between cells. LTM cell switch decision is based on measurements (for example LI measurements) that are performed and reported (for example LI measurement report) by the UE 108a to the first network node 102a (e.g., gNB). Measurements and reporting are based on LTM candidate cell configuration provided by the network for one or more LTM candidate cells. An LTM candidate cell may be neighbouring cells or a UE's current serving cells (e.g. SCells).

[0172] In Release-18, LTM measurements on a neighbouring candidate cell are performed using SSBs transmitted by the candidate cell for which the SSB configuration is provided to the UE. This is being extended to CSI-RS based measurements in Release-19.

[0173] Before the cell switch, the network may optionally activate one or more TCI state(s) for one or more candidate cells. Once a candidate cell TCI state is activated the UE 108a may start tracking the time / frequency synchronization using the reference signals associated with the activated TCI state(s). The UE 108a may also perform early UL synchronization before the cell switch if this is requested by the network.

[0174] The LTM procedure is shown in Fig. 3a is based on TS 38.300 V18.0.0. The LTM procedure includes the following steps of: In step 301, the UE 108a sends a MeasurementReport message to the gNB 102a. The gNB 102a decides to configure LTM and initiates LTM preparation. In step 302, the gNB 102a transmits an RRCReconfiguration message to the UE 108a including the LTM candidate configurations. In step 303, the UE 108a stores the LTM candidate configurations and transmits an RRCReconfigurationComplete message to the gNB 102a. In step 304a, the UE 108a performs DL synchronization with the candidatecell(s) before receiving the cell switch command. In step 304b, the UE 108a performs early TA acquisition with the candidate cell(s) as requested by the network before receiving the cell switch command as specified in clause 9.2.6 of TS 38.300. This is done via Carrier Frequency Radio Access (CFRA) triggered by a PDCCH order from the source cell, following which the UE 108a sends preamble towards the indicated candidate cell. In order to minimize the data interruption of the source cell due to CFRA towards the candidate cell(s), the UE 108a does not receive random access response from the network for the purpose of TA value acquisition and the TA value of the candidate cell is indicated in the cell switch command. The UE doesn't maintain the TA timer for the candidate cell and relies on network implementation to guarantee the TA validity. In step 305, the UE 108a performs LI measurements on the configured candidate cell(s) and transmits LI measurement reports to the gNB. LI measurement should be performed as long as RRC reconfiguration (step 302) is applicable. In step 306, the gNB 102a decides to execute cell switch to a target cell and transmits a MAC CE triggering cell switch by including the candidate configuration index of the target cell. The UE 108a switches to the target cell (e.g., cell 104b) and applies the configuration indicated by candidate configuration index. In step 307, the UE 108a performs the random-access procedure towards the target cell 104b, if UE 108a does not have valid TA of the target cell as specified in clause 6.1.3.75 of TS 38.321. In step 308, the UE 108a completes the LTM cell switch procedure by sending RRCReconfigurationComplete message to target cell 104b. If the UE 108a has performed a RA procedure in step 307 the UE 108a considers that LTM cell switch execution is successfully completed when the random-access procedure is successfully completed. For RACH-less LTM, the UE 108a considers that LTM cell switch execution is successfully completed when the UE 108a determines that the network has successfully received its first UL data.

[0175] Fig. 3b further illustrates a message flow sequence 310 based on message flow sequence 300 of Fig. 3a to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. Fig. 3b further modifies Fig. 3a by including further measurement reporting steps. To trigger each of the procedures or actions of steps 304a, 304b, and 306 (e.g., early DL synchronization, early UL synchronization, and the cell switch command) of Fig. 3a, the UE 108a is configured to send measurement reports to the network for each of these procedures (or actions). This means, after the NW has taken decision to prepare LTM and configures the UE 108a with LTM candidate configuration, the UE 108a starts transmitting LI measurement reports. Step 304a-l, is the first measurement report event that is based on a threshold which could potentially trigger initiation of step 304a-2, which is the DL synchronisation procedure. Step 304b-l is the second measurement report event that is based on athreshold which could potentially trigger initiation of step 304b-2, which is the UL synchronisation procedure. Step 305 is the third measurement report event that is based on a threshold which could potentially trigger the cell switch command procedure in step 306.

[0176] Considering these measurement reports are related to the very same configured LTM candidate cell, this creates signalling overhead and needs to be optimized. The problem becomes more evident when considering a blockage scenario. During a time period, the LOS path between the UE 108a and the gNB 102a might be blocked (for example by the vehicle roof when the UE 108a is moving out of a vehicle, or by tall buildings when UE 108a turns the corner around a street), and then the LOS path could be visible again due to the UE mobility. In this case, a very sharp increase in RSRP values may be observed by the UE 108a which could cause all the reporting conditions for Steps 304a-l, 304b-l, and 305 to become true. In this case, the UE 108a would transmit at least three measurement reports. This may create significant overheads and / or consumption of communication resources. This is particularly exacerbated when a plurality of UEs 108a, 108b are performing such operations.

[0177] To reduce this overhead, an approach according to which examples disclosed herein may be applied by configuring the UE 108a to transmit only one measurement report, where the network is configured to infer from that single measurement report that the conditions for steps 304a-l, 304b-l, and 305 are satisfied. This would significantly reduce the overhead, particularly for a plurality of UEs 108a, 108b performing such operations.

[0178] The above-mentioned problem is further illustrated, without limitation, for example for Event A3 using state machine logic. Event A3 is described in TS 38.331 section 5.5.4.4 "Event A3 (Neighbour becomes offset better than SpCell)", where the UE shall:

[0179] 1> consider the entering condition for this event to be satisfied when condition A3-1, as specified below, is fulfilled;

[0180] 1> consider the leaving condition for this event to be satisfied when condition A3-2, as specified below, is fulfilled;

[0181] 1> use the Special Cell (SpCell) for Mp, Ofp and Ocp.

[0182] NOTE 1: The cell(s) that triggers the event has reference signals indicated in the measObjectNR associated to this event which may be different from the NR SpCell measObjectNR.Inequality A3-1 (Entering condition)

[0183] Mn + Ofn + Ocn - Hys > Mp + Ofp + Ocp + Off,

[0184] Inequality A3-2 (Leaving condition)

[0185] Mn + Ofn + Ocn + Hys < Mp + Ofp + Ocp + Off,

[0186] where Mn is the measurement of the neighbour cell (e.g., the signal measurement of the neighbouring cell (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, etc.), Ofn is the offset for the neighbouring cell (a configurable offset applied to the measured signal quality of the neighboring cell), Ocn is a cell-specific offset for the neighbouring cell (e.g., a cell-specific offset that may be defined per neighbouring cell), Hys is the hysteresis (e.g., a margin added to prevent frequent switching (ping-pong effect) between cells), Mp is the measurement of the primary / serving cell (e.g., this represents the signal measurement of the serving (current) cell the UE 108a is being served by), Ofp is the offset for the serving cell (e.g., a configurable offset applied to the serving cell's measurement), Ocp is a cell-specific offset for the serving cell (e.g., a specific offset applied to the serving cell) and Off is an eventspecific offset. A threshold offset used to determine when the event condition is met. The above entering and leaving conditions A3-1 and A3-2 can be expressed as a state machine logic with two states as illustrated in Fig. 4a.

[0187] Fig. 4a illustrates an example enter-leave state machine 400 associated with the measurement reporting by UE 108a. The entering condition and leave conditions are enabled. The entering condition may also be referred herein as an enter condition or entry condition, in which these terms may be used interchangeably. In this example, Mn (Mp) is the neighbouring (serving) cell measurement. Reference numerals of the communication network 100 of Fig. 1 are re-used for the same or similar features or components. The UE 108a performs measurements in relation to the neighbouring cell 104b and also the serving cell 104a. For simplicity and illustrative purposes, and by way of example only, conditions A3-1 and A3-2 have been rearranged and simplified to form entering condition Mn-Mp > Hys+Off and leave condition Mn-Mp < Off - Hys for an enter state 404a and leave state 404b of a generic procedure (or action), respectively, with all other offsets set to 0. In this example, all the offsets are set to, without limitation, for example zero except Off = 2dB and Hys = 1 dB. Fig. 4a describes the enter-leave state machine 400 for Event A3 with enter and leave conditions enabled. Although Event A3 is described herein, this is by way of example only, it is to be appreciated by the skilled person that different events may be used with different procedures and / or actions that require the same or similar, or different, enter and / or leave conditions.In this example, the initial condition refers to the initial state 402 of the state machine 400 of UE 108a where the entering condition for enter state 402a has not been triggered yet. After the UE 108a performs measurements, if the entering condition of the enter state 404a is fulfilled, e.g., Mn-Mp>3dB, then this triggers the enter-leave state machine 400 to transition from the initial state 402 to the enter state 404a and perform the procedure (e.g., enter actions associated with the procedure) associated with the enter state 404a. After it is triggered for the first time, the state machine 400 of UE 108a transitions from the initial state 402 to the enter state 404a. This transition to the enter state 404a triggers transmission of a measurement report to the RAN (e.g., first network node 102a) associated with the UE 108a, where the enter actions associated with the procedure may be performed. The UE 108a performs further measurements and the entering condition is still fulfilled, then the state machine 400 remains in the enter state 404a. However, should the measurements indicate, without limitation, for example a "drop" in signal strength such that the leave condition is fulfilled, e.g., Mn-Mp<ldB, then the state machine 400 transitions from the enter state 404a to the leave state 404b, where the leave actions associated with the procedure are performed. This transition to the leave state 404b triggers transmission of another measurement report to the RAN (e.g., first network node 102a) associated with the UE 108a, where the leave actions associated with the procedure may be performed. As the signal strength for the neighbouring and / or serving cell varies (e.g., due to mobility of the UE 108a) the state machine 400 may transition back and forth between the enter and the leave states 402a and 402b, respectively. Each transition triggering a corresponding measurement report.

[0188] In the LTM example of Fig. 3b, there may be a multiple of these state machines or equivalent logic performed by the UE 108a for each procedure (e.g., DL synchronisation, Early UL synchronisation, Cell Switch etc.) that are configured for generating measurement reports to be sent to the first network node 102a for triggering the procedures of steps 304a-2 (DL synchronization), 304b-2 (Early UL synchronization), and step 305 (LI measurement report for cell switch command) by UE 108a and first network node 102a. A different reporting configuration may be assigned to each of these steps. Since reporting on leave is an optional configuration, the corresponding state machine for this setup can be illustrated in two different ways. The first is with measurement reporting on leave configuration is disabled (referred to as enter with leave disabled), and in the second, with measurement reporting on leave configuration is enabled. These are illustrated in Figs.

[0189] 4b and 4c.Fig. 4b illustrates an example enter with leave disabled state machine logic 410, 420, 430 associated with the message flow sequence of Fig. 3b. Reference numerals of the communication network 100 of Fig. 1 are re-used for the same or similar features or components. Fig. 4b describes the enter state machines 410, 420, and 430 for Event A3 with entering condition enabled associated with each procedure 411, 421, and 431, respectively. In this example, there is a state machine 410, 420, and 430 for each of the procedures 411, 421, and 431 of steps 304a-2 (DL synchronization), 304b-2 (Early UL synchronization), and step 305 (LI measurement report for cell switch command) of Fig.

[0190] 3b, respectively, where the entering condition is enabled, and the leave condition is disabled. The UE 108a performs measurements in relation to the neighbouring cell 104b and also the serving cell 104a. For simplicity and illustrative purposes, and by way of example only, conditions A3-1 and A3-2 have been rearranged and simplified to form entering condition Mn-Mp > Hys+Off for an enter states 414a, 424a, and 434a of the corresponding DL synch procedure 411, Early UL synch procedure 421, and Cell Switch procedure 431, respectively, with all other offsets set to 0. In this example, all the offsets are set to, without limitation, for example zero except for the Off and Hys, where these are set, by way of example only and without limitation, for the DL synch procedure 411 to Off = IdB and Hys = 1 dB, for the Early UL synch procedure 421 to Off = 4dB and Hys = 1 dB, and for the Cell Switch procedure 431 to Off = 7dB and Hys = 1 dB. Although Event A3 is described herein, this is by way of example only, and it is to be appreciated by the skilled person that different events may be used with different procedures and / or actions that require the same or similar, or different, enter and / or leave conditions.

[0191] In this example, each of the state machines 410, 420, 430 for the corresponding procedures 411, 421, 431 starts in the corresponding initial condition of initial state 412, 422 and 432 where the entering conditions for each corresponding enter state 414a, 424a and 434a have not been triggered yet. After the UE 108a performs measurements, whenever one of the event entering conditions of the state machines 410, 420, and / or 430 in Fig. 4b are fulfilled based on the measurements, this triggers a transition from the initial state 412, 422, and / or 432 of the state machine 410, 420, and / or 430 to the enter state 414a, 424a, and / or 434a for which the entering condition is true (i.e., fulfilled). For each transition to an enter state 414a, 424a and / or 434a, the UE 108a sends a measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE 108a (e.g., first network node 102a). These measurement report transmissions occur at steps 304a-l, 304b-l, and 305 of Fig. 3b, after which, the corresponding procedures 411, 421, and / or 431 in steps 304a- 2 (DL synchronization, also referred to as DL synch), 304b-2 (Early UL synchronization, also referred to as Early UL synch), and / or step 305 (LI measurement report for cell switchcommand, also referred to as Cell Switch) may be performed. This can potentially result in three measurement reports being transmitted.

[0192] In this example, each of the state machines 410, 420, 430 for the corresponding procedures 411, 421, 431 starts in the corresponding initial condition of initial state 412, 422 and 432 where the entering conditions for each corresponding enter state 414a, 424a and 434a have not been triggered yet. After the UE 108a performs measurements, whenever one of the event entering conditions of the state machines 410, 420, and / or 430 as described in Fig. 4b are fulfilled based on the measurements, this triggers a transition from the initial state 412, 422, and / or 432 of the state machine 410, 420, and / or 430 to the enter state 414a, 424a, and / or 434a for which the entering condition is true (i.e., fulfilled). For each transition to an enter state 414a, 424a and / or 434a, the UE 108a sends a measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE 108a (e.g., first network node 102a). These measurement report transmissions occur at steps 304a-l, 304b-l, and 305 of Fig. 3b, after which, the corresponding procedures 411, 421, and / or 431 in steps 304a-2 (DL synchronization, also referred to as DL synch), 304b-2 (Early UL synchronization, also referred to as Early UL synch), and / or step 305 (LI measurement report for cell switch command, also referred to as Cell Switch) may be performed.

[0193] For example, after the UE 108a performs measurements, if the entering condition of the enter state 414 for DL synch procedure 411 is fulfilled, e.g., Mn-Mp>2dB, then this triggers the state machine 410 to transition from the initial state 412 to the enter state 414a and perform transmission of the measurement report (e.g., step 304a-l) in which the subsequent DL synch procedure 411 associated with the enter state 414a is performed (e.g., step 304a-2). After it is triggered for the first time, the state machine 410 of UE 108a transitions from the initial state 412 to the enter state 414a. This transition to the enter state 414a triggers transmission of the measurement report to the RAN (e.g., first network node 102a) associated with the UE 108a after which the DL synch procedure 411 is performed at UE 108a and first network node 102a, where, for example, the enter actions associated with the DL synch procedure 411 may be performed by UE 108a when report is transmitted and by first network node 102a once the report is received.

[0194] After the UE 108a performs measurements, if the entering condition of the enter state 424a for Early UL synch procedure 421 is fulfilled, e.g., Mn-Mp>5dB, then this triggers the state machine 420 to transition from the initial state 422 to the enter state 424a and perform transmission of the measurement report (e.g., step 304b-l) in which the subsequent Early UL synch procedure 421 associated with the enter state 424a isperformed (e.g., step 304b-2). After it is triggered for the first time, the state machine 420 of UE 108a transitions from the initial state 422 to the enter state 424a. This transition to the enter state 424a triggers transmission of the measurement report to the RAN (e.g., first network node 102a) associated with the UE 108a after which the Early UL synch procedure 421 is performed at UE 108a and first network node 102a, where, for example, the enter actions associated with the Early UL synch procedure 421 may be performed by UE 108a when report is transmitted and by first network node 102a once the report is received.

[0195] Similarly, after the UE 108a performs measurements, if the entering condition of the enter state 434a for Cell Switch procedure 431 is fulfilled, e.g., Mn-Mp>8dB, then this triggers the state machine 430 to transition from the initial state 432 to the enter state 434a and perform transmission of the measurement report (e.g., step 305) in which the subsequent Cell Switch procedure 431 associated with the enter state 434a is performed (e.g., step 305). After it is triggered for the first time, the state machine 430 of UE 108a transitions from the initial state 432 to the enter state 434a. This transition to the enter state 434a triggers transmission of the measurement report to the RAN (e.g., first network node 102a) associated with the UE 108a after which the Cell Switch procedure 431 is performed at UE 108a and first network node 102a, where, for example, the enter actions associated with the Cell switch 431 may be performed by UE 108a when report is transmitted and by first network node 102a once the report is received.

[0196] It is to be appreciated that these procedures 411, 421, and 431 are typically performed in the order provided in Fig. 3b, this state machine logic 410, 420, and 430 for each of the procedures 411, 421, 431 is executed when the corresponding entering conditions are fulfilled. For example, should all state machines 410, 420, and 430 be in their initial states and once the UE 108a performs measurements on the neighbouring cell 104b and / or serving cell 104a, then if the signal strength of the neighbouring cell 104b be significant such that Mn-Mp>8dB then all entering conditions for all enter states 414a, 424a, 434a of state machines 410, 420, and 430 are fulfilled with three measurement reports being transmitted and the corresponding procedures 411, 421, and 431 being performed by UE 108a and subsequently by first network node 102a. Should the signal strength of the neighbouring cell 104b increase gradually as the UE 108a performs multiple measurements in relation to neighbouring cell 104b and / or serving cell 104a, then as each entering condition is fulfilled that corresponding enter state 414a, 424a, and / or 434a is entered and a measurement report is transmitted with that corresponding procedure 411,421 and / or 431 being performed. This would result in three measurement reports still being transmitted.

[0197] Fig. 4c illustrates another example enter with leave enabled state machine logic 440, 450, 460 associated with the message flow sequence of Fig. 3b. Reference numerals of the communication network 100 of Fig. 1 and Fig. 4b are re-used for the same or similar features or components. Fig. 4c describes the enter state machines 440, 450, and 460 for Event A3 with entering condition enabled and leave condition enabled in relation to each procedure 411, 421, and 431, respectively. In this example, there is a state machine 440, 450, and 460 for each of the procedures 411, 421, and 431 of steps 304a-2 (DL synchronization), 304b-2 (Early UL synchronization), and step 305 (LI measurement report for cell switch command) of Fig. 3b, respectively, where both the entering condition and leave conditions are enabled. The UE 108a performs measurements in relation to the neighbouring cell 104b and also the serving cell 104a. For simplicity and illustrative purposes, and by way of example only, conditions A3-1 and A3-2 have been rearranged and simplified to form entering condition Mn-Mp > Hys+ Off enter states 414a, 424a, and 434a and leave condition Mn-Mp < Off - Hys for an leave states 414b, 424b, and 434b of the corresponding DL synch procedure 411, Early UL synch procedure 421, and Cell Switch procedure 431, respectively, with all other offsets set to 0. In this example, all the offsets are set to, without limitation, for example zero except for the Off and Hys, where these are set, by way of example only and without limitation, for the DL synch procedure 411 to Off = IdB and Hys = 1 dB, for the Early UL synch procedure 421 to Off = 4dB and Hys = 1 dB, and for the Cell Switch procedure 431 to Off = 7dB and Hys = 1 dB. Although Event A3 is described herein, this is by way of example only, and it is to be appreciated by the skilled person that different events may be used with different procedures and / or actions that require the same or similar, or different, enter and / or leave conditions.

[0198] As for Fig. 4b, whenever an entering condition for one of the enter states 414a, 424a, and / or 434a is fulfilled based on measurements, the corresponding state machine 440, 450, 460 transitions to the corresponding enter state 414a, 414b, and 424a, which triggers a corresponding measurement report being transmitted. In each case, the UE 108a sends a measurement report to the network (e.g. first network node 102a). This occurs for each of the corresponding procedures 411, 421, and / or 431. In addition to this, whenever a leave condition (after the corresponding state machine transitions to an enter state) the UE 108b transmits another measurement report to the network whenever a leave condition is also triggered.Should the UE 108a perform further measurements, and if the leave condition of one or more of the leave states 414b, 424b, or 424c (e.g., DL synch procedure 411, Early UL synch procedure 421, or Cell Switch procedure 431) is fulfilled, then then this triggers the state machines 440, 450, or 460 to transition from the corresponding enter state 414a, 424a, or 434a to the corresponding leave state 414b, 424b, 434b in which the leave condition is fulfilled and perform transmission of a corresponding measurement report indicating the measurement result and corresponding leave state associated with the corresponding procedure was entered. This also triggers the UE 108a and first network node 102a to perform one or more leave actions such as, for example, reversing or rolling back the corresponding procedures that have been actioned due to previous transitions to enter states 414a, 424a, and / or 434a in relation to the neighbouring cell. Depending on which enter states 414a, 424a, or 434a have been transitioned and the leave states with leave conditions being fulfilled, this can result in at least three further measurement reports being transmitted in relation to the transition to one or more leave states 414b, 424b and / or 434b.

[0199] It is evident at least three measurement reports are transmitted to the first network node 102a when performing the DL synch procedure 411, Early UL synch procedure 421, and Cell Switch procedure 431, but another three measurement reports may be transmitted should further measurements reveal a "drop" in signal strength regarding the neighbouring cell and require roll-back or reversing the DL synch procedure 411, Early UL synch procedure 421, and Cell Switch procedure 431. As the signal strength for the neighbouring and / or serving cell varies (e.g., due to mobility of the UE 108a) each of the state machines 440, 450, 460 may transition back and forth between the corresponding enter states 4114a, 424a, or 434a and the corresponding leave states 414b, 424b, or 434b, respectively. Thus, for each of the state machine 440, 450, 460, each transition triggering a corresponding measurement report in relation to the entering condition being fulfilled or the leave condition being fulfilled etc.

[0200] Thus, depending on variations of the signal strengths between the UE 108a and network node 102a I network node 102b when performing DL synch procedure 411, Early UL synch procedure 421, and Cell Switch procedure 431 and rolling back etc., a significant number of measurement reports will be transmitted. This will create significant overheads and / or consumption of communication resources, which is particularly exacerbated when a plurality of UEs 108a, 108b are performing such operations.The above problems of excessive measurement reporting by the UE 108a to the network due to variations in signal strengths of neighbouring cells 104b and / or serving cells 104a may be mitigated by a method that specifies multiple specific offsets of an event, in which the event includes one or more procedures associated with the multiple specific offsets that are used to reduce the measurement reporting related to a same cell for different procedures. This is achieved via defining a interrelation of specific offsets and defining an improved reporting behaviour (or improved state machine logic) compared to the behaviour of measurement reporting on leave and enter as described with reference to Figs. 4a to 4c. This provides the advantage that the measurement reporting on leave and enter performed by the UE 108a is enhanced to indicate to the network (e.g., first network node 102a) that multiple procedures and / or events are fulfilled or not with a single measurement report.

[0201] The above-mentioned procedure concept, where a procedure corresponds to a state (enter state, enter state and corresponding leave state). These procedures (e.g., for Event A3, DL synch procedure, Early UL synch procedure, cell switch procedure, etc.) can be placed inside the ReportConfig NR (reporting configuration / measurement reporting configuration) that is communicated from the network node 102a to the UE 108a so that, without limitation, for example, for one type of event, multiple specific offsets are defined each of which corresponds to a particular procedure of the procedures placed inside the reporting configuration. The multiple specific offsets are used to hierarchically order the procedures in an increasing order, which enables both the UE 108a and network node 102a to synchronise which procedures are actioned when multiple transitions occur at the same time. For example, the reporting behaviour of the UE 108a changes to transmitting a measurement report whenever it transitions from one procedure to another procedure adjacent in the ordering, but, when it transitions to multiple procedures at once, a single measurement report transmission is performed to the network node 102a with an indication of the multiple transition such that the network node 102a can infer which of the multiple procedures satisfy the corresponding entering conditions and / or leave conditions. Since the procedures are placed in an increasing order according to the corresponding specific offset, the network node 102a understands the entering / leaving conditions of which procedures are satisfied from interpreting the single measurement report. This also necessitates a change to the state machine logic and / or equivalent processes for more efficient measurement reporting such that both UE 108a and network node 102a perform the reciprocal procedures and / or corresponding enter / leave actions and the like.In some examples, each of the specific offsets is a procedure specific offset, when there are multiple procedures per event in the reporting configuration. In this case, the procedure specific offsets are defined and used to hierarchically order the entering conditions for each of the procedures such that the leaving condition of a procedure on the right side is already satisfied when the leaving condition of a procedure on the left is not satisfied. The following figures illustrate the measurement reporting for multiple procedures I states with enter enabled and leave disabled and enter enabled and leave enabled for efficient measurement reporting as described in Figures 5a to 8b. This is further generalised to using multiple reporting configurations with events of the same type each including a different procedure, where the events are linked with specific offsets instead of the procedures for efficient measurement reporting as described with reference to Figures 9a to 10c for enter enabled and leave disabled, and enter enabled and leave enabled efficient measurement reporting. Figures Ila to 14b further generalise the procedure / event concepts of Figures 5a to 10c for n states and the like for efficient measurement reporting.

[0202] Fig. 5a illustrates an example measurement framework 500 for enter enabled and leave disabled measurement reporting which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The measurement framework 500 further modifies the measurement framework 200 of Fig. 2 by modifying the measurement reporting configuration (or reporting configuration) 206. The measurement reporting configuration 506 is configured to include an indication how the entering conditions for two or more procedures are defined and corresponding values for the corresponding procedures for use when applying the entering conditions. For example, the measurement reporting configuration 206 is further modified into measurement reporting configuration 506 for an Event of a particular Event type to further include an indication of a plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), a corresponding procedure specific offset 508b (e.g., OP1, OP2, OP3, ..., which may also be referred to as PSOffl, PSOff2, PSOff3, ... etc.) for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), and a corresponding entering conditions 508c for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...). The plurality of procedures 508a may be a multiple of procedures, at least two procedures, at least three procedures, or two or more procedures and the like. The number of procedures depends on the number of procedures required to be implemented for the Event defined in the reporting configuration 506 of the measurement framework 500.

[0203] When sending a measurement report, the UE 108a sends the measurement identity 202 with the report, along with an indication of at least one procedure fulfilling the enteringcondition. When the entering conditions for multiple procedures are fulfilled at the same time, a single measurement report is transmitted in which a procedure from the multiple procedures is selected for indication in the measurement report that ensures the network node 102a can infer the correct procedures of the multiple procedures with entering conditions fulfilled that require enter actions to be performed thereto. For example, the procedure specific offsets are defined to ensure that the plurality of procedures can be hierarchically ordered and the procedure highest in the hierarchical ordering with an entering condition that is fulfilled based on the measurements is selected for indication in the measurement report. The network node 102a, knowing the procedures are hierarchically ordered would then be able to infer those multiple procedures for which the entering condition has been fulfilled in respect of the measurement report it just received. From this the network node 102a can perform the corresponding enter actions of the correct multiple procedures that the UE 108a would have performed in relation to the entering conditions of the multiple procedures being fulfilled based on these measurements.

[0204] The measurement reporting configuration 506 may be transmitted to the UE 108a from the RAN of the network 100 associated with the UE 108a, e.g., from network node 102a. The measurement reporting configuration may include data indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions for a cell 104b are fulfilled by measurements. The data indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied may include the indication of a plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), a corresponding procedure specific offset 508b (e.g., OP1, OP2, OP3, ... which may also be referred to as PSOffl, PSOff2, PSOff3, ... etc.) for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), and a corresponding entering conditions 508c for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...). Alternatively, in addition to the indication of a plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), a corresponding procedure specific offset 508b (e.g., OP1, OP2, OP3, ... which may also be referred to as PSOffl, PSOff2, PSOff3, ... etc.) for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), and a corresponding entering conditions 508c for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), the data indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied may include an additional element or field within the reporting configuration 506 indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied. In some example, the measurement reporting configuration 506 may further include an indication of how many procedures or events and corresponding entering conditions monitored for a neighbouring or serving cells 104b, 104a.In other examples, Appendix A further illustrates a measurement reporting configuration for an event, where the indication of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...) are represented, or indicated, using, without limitation, for example, a corresponding variable ProcedurelD for each of the procedures, i.e., a different ProcedurelD is used for each different procedure. The UE 108a and network node 102a may implement a table mapping ProcedurelDs to procedures, so the UE 108a may identify which procedure to use based on receiving the ProcedurelD from the network node 102a in the measurement reporting configuration. As well, in Appendix A, the procedure specific offsets (e.g., OP1, OP2, OP3, ... which may also be referred to as PSOffl, PSOff2, PSOff3, ... etc.) are represented, or indicated, using, without limitation, for example the variable procedurelndividualOffset or the variable Op for the corresponding ProcedurelD. These may be set by the RAN and / or operator of the RAN to achieve the desired ordering of procedures, events, and / or states as described herein and / or below.

[0205] Prior to sending the reporting configuration 506 indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied, the UE 108a may report, to the RAN associated with the UE 108a, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of measurement procedures are fulfilled. This means the UE 108a is able to implement the logic, processes, and / or methods as herein described to perform single measurement reporting when entering conditions for multiple procedures are fulfilled at the same time based on measurements.

[0206] Fig. 5b illustrates an example state machine logic 510 with enter enabled and leave disabled measurement reporting associated with the message flow sequence of Fig. 3b to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The reference numerals of Figs 1 to 3b may be reused for the same or similar components and / or features and the like. Fig. 5b further modifies the state machine logic 410, 420, 430 of Fig. 4b with a single state machine 510 for Event A3 with entering condition enabled in which each enter state 514a, 524a and 534a corresponds with procedure 508a-l, 508a-2, and 508a-3, respectively. In this example, there is an enter state in the state machine 510 for each of the procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, 508a-3 of steps 304a-2 (DL synchronization), 304b-2 (Early UL synchronization), and step 305 (LI measurement report for cell switch command) of Fig.

[0207] 3b, respectively, where the entering condition is enabled and the leave condition is disabled.

[0208] In this example, the UE 108a receives from the RAN (e.g., network node 102a) a measurement reporting configuration 506 including data representative of an indication ofa plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), a corresponding procedure specific offset 508b (e.g., OP1, OP2, OP3, ... which may also be referred to as PSOffl, PSOff2, PSO1T3, ... etc.) for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), and a corresponding entering condition 508c for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...). In this example, there are at least three procedures indicated in the measurement report configuration (e.g., Pl, P2, P3) associated with Event A3. The at least three procedures include, without limitation, for example, Early DL synchronization procedure 508a-l, Early UL synchronization procedure 508a-2, and Cell switch command procedure 508a-3. It is noted that the state machine logic 510 may be extended to two or more procedures that require measurement reporting, e.g., Conditional LTM cell switch procedure and the like.

[0209] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, and by way of example only, conditions A3-1 and A3-2 as described with reference to figures 3a to 4c have been rearranged and simplified to form entering condition Mn-Mp > Hys + PSOff Op) for an enter states 514a, 524a, and 534a of the corresponding DL synch procedure 508a-l, Early UL synch procedure 508a-2, and Cell Switch procedure 508a-3, respectively, with all other offsets set to, for simplicity and by way of example only, zero. It is to be appreciated by the skilled person that the other offsets and / or values of the entering condition may be set to any other value as the application demands. One or more of the values such as, without limitation, for example, procedure specific offsets (e.g., PSOff (OP)) for the procedures may be signalled to the UE from the RAN (e.g., gNB) via the measurement report configuration. In this example, all the offsets are set to, without limitation, for example zero except for the procedure specific offsets, denoted, PSOff Op), and Hys. For each procedure, the value Hys + PSOff (Op) forms an enter threshold, such that when the entering condition reaches the entering threshold, the entering condition is fulfilled. Each of the procedures (e.g., Pl, P2, P3) may have a different values for PSOff (Op) (e.g., OP1, OP2, OP3, or PSOffl, PSOff2, PSOff3), thus will have different leave thresholds. Each of the procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, and 508a-3 have a particular procedure specific offset 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-3. As well, each of the procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, and 508a-3 have a corresponding entering condition 508c-l, 508c-2, and 508c-3. The procedure specific offsets 508b-l,m 508b-2, 508b-3 and Hys are set, by way of example only and without limitation, for the DL synch procedure 508a-l to PSOff = IdB and Hys = 1 dB, for the Early UL synch procedure 508a-2 to PSOff = 4dB and Hys = 1 dB, and for the Cell Switch procedure 508a-3 to PSOff = 7dB and Hys = 1 dB. The procedure specific offset, i.e., PSOff, may also be denoted or referred to herein as Op. Although Event A3 is described herein, this is by way of example only, and it is to be appreciated by the skilled person that different events as describedwith reference to Figs. 2 to 4c may be used with different procedures and / or actions that require the same or similar, or different, enter and / or leave conditions and the like.

[0210] In this example, the state machine 510 includes an initial state and at least two states, which in this example, are enter states 514a, 524a and 534a in which each of the enter states 514a, 524a, and 524b has an entering condition 508c-l, 508c-2, and 508c-3 with an enter threshold 508d-l, 508d-2 and 508d-3, respectively. The enter thresholds 508d-1, 508d-2, and 508d-3 can be derived from the right-hand components of the entering condition, which in this example, are PSOff + Hys. In this example, the procedure specific offsets 508b-l, 508b-2, 508b-3 are selected to ensure the corresponding enter states 514a, 524a and 534a are able to be hierarchically ordered in an ascending order as illustrated in Fig. 5b. In this example, the DL synch procedure 508a-l has a PSOff = IdB and Hys = 1 dB, the Early UL synch procedure 508a-2 has a PSOff = 4dB and Hys = 1 dB, and for the Cell Switch procedure 508a-3 has a PSOff = 7dB and Hys = 1 dB. In some examples, the enter states 514a, 524a, 534a are ordered in ascending order based on the corresponding PSOff 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-2. In other example, the enter states 514a, 524a, and 534a are ordered in an ascending order based on the enter thresholds 508d-l, 508d-2, and 508d-3, which include the corresponding PSOff 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-2, respectively. In some examples, the enter thresholds 508d-l, 508d-2, and 508d-3 are equal to the corresponding PSOff 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-2 (e.g., the Hys is moved to the left-hand side of the entering condition). In other examples, each of the enter thresholds 508d-l, 508d-2, and 508d-3 may include a combination of the corresponding PSOff 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-2 and one or more other corresponding parameters or offsets and the like. In any event, the PSOff 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-2 are defined to enable the enter states 514a, 524a, 534a, to be ordered in a desired ascending order such that the correct procedures are ordered in an ascending order accordingly.

[0211] In the state machine 510, the enter states 514a, 524a, and 534a are hierarchically ordered based on the PSoff (Op) 508b-l, 508b-2, 508b-3, and each enter state is linked to each of the other enter states higher up in the hierarchy, with the last enter state in the hierarchy not being linked to any other enter state. For example, the initial state 512 is linked to all enter states 514a, 524a, and 534a, enter state 514a is linked to both enter states 524a and 534a that are higher up in the hierarchy, enter state 524a is linked to enter state 534a, which is the highest in the hierarchy.As illustrated in Fig. 5b, the enter states 514a, 524a, 534a are linked together in a hierarchical manner based on an increasing ordering of the PSOffs 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-3. The UE 108a performs measurements in relation to the neighbouring cell 104b and also the serving cell 104a. The UE 108a also monitors the entering conditions 508c-1, 508c-2, and 508c-3 for each of the corresponding enter states 514a, 524a, and 534a, respectively, based on performing measurements in relation to the neighbour cell 104b and / or serving cell 104a. When the UJE 108a determines that one or more entering conditions 508c-l, 508c-2, and 508c-3 are fulfilled based on the measurements, then the state machine 510 transitions to the enter state 514a, 524a, or 534a that is highest in the hierarchy for which its corresponding entering condition 508c-l, 508c-2, or 508c-3 is fulfilled based on the measurements. When there is a transition to one of the enter states 514a, 524a, or 534a, a measurement report is sent to the RAN from the UE 108a. Measurement reports are sent only when there is a state transition, and if a transition implies a multiple of the enter states 514a, 524a, and / or 534a have entering conditions that are turned true, i.e., fulfilled based on the measurements, then only one report transmitted instead of having transmitted a separate report for each of the transitions. In this case, the measurement report includes an indication of the enter state 514a, 524a, or 534a that is highest in the hierarchy of the multiple enter states 514a, 524a, and / or 534a in which its entering condition is fulfilled based on the measurements. The measurement report may include an indication of the procedure associated with the enter state with an entering condition being fulfilled that is highest in the hierarchy. In this manner, the signalling overhead is substantially by skipping one (or multiple) of the measurement report transmissions based on the modified state machine 510.

[0212] The network 100 or RAN (e.g., network node 102a) may also include a reciprocal state machine to state machine 510 that enables the network node 102a to infer and / or determine from the measurement report the multiple of enter states (or a subset of enter states), and hence which procedures, that have entering conditions fulfilled based on the measurements by UE 108a. This is because the network node 102a send the reporting configuration 506 to the UE 108a in respect of at least the neighbour cell 104b and / or serving cell 104a and so has a reciprocal state machine to state machine 510 that allows the network node 102a to track and determined the correct multiple of enter states for each transition performed at the UE 108a. Thus, the network node 102a may action the procedures corresponding to the multiple of enter states with entering conditions that are fulfilled based on the measurements at the UE 108a. The UE 108a also actions the procedures corresponding to the multiple enter states.Referring to the state machine 510, the initial condition 512 refers to the state of the UE 108a when none of the procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, 508a-3 for the event are in their corresponding enter states 514a, 524a, 524b, respectively. The state transitions are marked by the directional arrows linking the initial state 512 to each of the enter states 514a, 524a, 524b, and linking each enter state 514a, 524a, or 534a with the other enter states 524a, 534a higher up in the hierarchy or enter states 514a, 524a, 534a. Each state transition corresponds to the transmission of a measurement report. The structure of the state machine 510, which includes the hierarchical ordering of enter states 514a, 524a, 534a or procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, 508a-3, can reduce the reporting overhead when multiple event entering conditions 508c-l, 508c-2, and / or 508c-3 are triggered simultaneously.

[0213] For example, assume the UE 108a moves from initial condition of initial state 512 to the Cell Switch Enter State 534a of the Cell Switch procedure 508b-3. This corresponds to triggering all the procedures 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-3 at the same time. Conventionally, as described with reference to Figs. 4a top 4c, the UE 108a would transmit three measurement reports in steps 304a-l, 304b-2, and 305 of Fig. 3b. However, this corresponds to only one state transition from the initial state 512 to enter state 534a of the cell switch procedure 508b-3. Thus, only one message (= new measurement report, optionally an indicator that more than one event / how many events are reported) transmission and the network infers that the UE triggered the entering condition for all the states at the same time. The measurement report may include an indication of the enter state 534a or the cell switch procedure 508b-3 associated with the enter state 534a, from which the network node 102a infers, from the indication in the measurement report, that all the enter states 514a, 524a, and 534a (i.e., the multiple enter states) simultaneously have entering conditions satisfying the measurements made by the UJE 108a. As a result, the network node 102a triggers the actions related to the procedures 508b-l, 508b-2, 508b-3 of the enter states 514a, 524a, 534a for which the entering condition applies. This may be performed in one combined pass / execution step.

[0214] In this scenario, with reporting on Leave disabled, the technical effect is that the UE 108a switches to the most applicable enter state, and indicates in one measurement report several procedures / enter states / entering conditions are fulfilled, which triggers the network / gNB (e.g., network node 102a) to execute the corresponding actions related to the enter states I procedures in which the entering conditions are satisfied or fulfilled based on the measurements. Another example of the aforementioned state machine 510 is described with respect to the 3GPP TS 38.331 using the operations defined in AppendixA, where a procedure corresponds to a enter state in the state machine 510 as described herein.

[0215] Although the Event A3 with three procedures 508b-l, 508b-2, 508b-3 has been described herein, this is by way of example only and the state machine 510 and / or the methods described herein in respect of state machine 510 are not so limited. It is to be appreciated by the skilled person that the state machine 510 may be extended to more than three enter states or more than three procedures, such as n>3 procedures. It is also to be appreciated by the skilled person that state machines with n<3, i.e., n=2, would also be applicable, there are at least two procedures and which result int he advantages of reduced measurement reporting herein described. The number of such procedures may depend on the Event type for the Event and the like. For example, further enter states are possible in the state machine 510, which may include, without limitation, for example one or more procedures associated with dual connectivity, carrier aggregation, different RAT, neighbouring cell available above threshold 1 / below threshold2 / between thresholds and threshold4, and the like. It is also to be appreciated by the skilled person that the state machine 510 may be applied to any type of Event as defined in, without limitation, for example 3GPP TS 38.331 in relation to measurements and the like, and / or the equivalent Events or measurement reporting for future standards and the like.

[0216] Fig. 6a illustrates an example method 600 for a UE apparatus in relation to measurement reporting with leave condition disabled to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The UE apparatus may include at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE apparatus to perform the method 600 based on the following steps of:

[0217] In step 610, performing measurements for an event with at least two procedures. In some examples, there may be at least three procedures, or a plurality of procedures. In the above example with reference to Fig. 5a or 5b, there were at least three procedures described. In an example, the measurements may include measurements of a neighbouring or candidate cell and / or the serving cell.

[0218] The measurements may be performed based on measurement framework including a reporting measurement configuration 506 as described with reference to Figs. 2 and 5a. Prior to performing the measurements, the method 600 may further include receiving (e.g., prior to step 610), from a RAN associated with the UE apparatus, a measurement reporting configuration, where the measurement reporting configuration includes data representative of at least two procedures (or at least three procedures), correspondingentering conditions (also referred to as entering conditions) and corresponding procedure specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions. The procedure specific offsets may be configured to indicate different conditions for different procedures. In an example, the UE receives, from the RAN associated with the UE, data representative of the measurement reporting configuration indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions for a cell are fulfilled by measurements. In some examples, the measurement reporting configuration may include an initial condition for a cell, and said initial condition is satisfied when none of the entering conditions has been fulfilled. In other examples, the UE apparatus may define an initial condition for the cell, and said initial condition is satisfied when none of the entering conditions has been fulfilled. The measurements may include measurements of a neighbouring or candidate cell and / or the serving cell.

[0219] For example, the measurement reporting configuration may be based on reporting configuration 506 as described with reference to Fig. 5a. The UE apparatus may also perform one or more processes that implement the logic of state machine 510 of Fig. 5b in respect of the procedures, corresponding entering conditions, and procedure specific offsets of the measurement reporting configuration.

[0220] In step 620, monitoring, based on the measurements and the procedure specific offsets, the entering conditions of the procedures. An example, the monitoring may further include determining whether one or more entering conditions are fulfilled in relation to the measurements. In another example, the monitoring further includes determining whether an entering condition of at least one of the procedures is fulfilled is based on the measurements and the corresponding procedure specific offset.

[0221] In step 630, triggering transmission of a measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions are fulfilled based on the measurements. In some examples, the measurement report includes an indication of at least one procedure associated with the multiple entering conditions. Alternatively, the measurement report may further include data representative of an indication that more than one of the procedures are being reported. In an example, the measurement report is a single measurement report.

[0222] In an example, in step 630, the at least one procedure to be reported is determined based on the procedure specific offsets. For example, the procedures are ordered based on the procedure specific offsets, and the at least one procedure to be reported corresponds tothe procedure highest in the ordering (or hierarchy) for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled based on the measurements. In another example, step 630 may further include triggering transmission of the measurement report, where the measurement report includes data representative of an indication of, among the procedures that fulfil the entering condition, the procedure fulfilling the entering condition for the cell having the highest specific procedure offset. In a further example, step 630 may be further configured to trigger transmission of a single measurement report including data representative of the measurement result of the procedure with the highest procedure specific offset fulfilling the entering conditions.

[0223] In addition to the description of the measurement report described herein, the measurement report may further include data representative of an indication of a measurement report type.

[0224] In some examples, step 610 may further include receiving measurements for a cell in relation to the measurement reporting configuration. Step 620 may further include monitoring, based on the measurements for the cell and the procedure specific offsets, one or more of the entering conditions of the procedures being fulfilled for the cell. Step 630 may further include triggering transmission of the measurement report including data representative of indicating at least one procedure that fulfils the entering condition for the cell to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions are fulfilled for the cell.

[0225] In some examples, prior to step 610, the method 600 may include the UE apparatus or UE reporting, to the RAN associated with the UE, capability information associated with the UE supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of measurement procedures are fulfilled. Thus, method 600 may be performed by the UE.

[0226] In an example, the measurement reporting configuration may further include an indication how the entering conditions for the procedures are defined and corresponding values for the measurement procedures when applying the entering conditions. For example, the values for a procedure includes data representative of the procedure specific offset for the entering condition of the procedure.

[0227] In another example, the measurement reporting configuration may further include an ordering or sequence indication defining an order or sequence of entering conditions for the procedures, wherein the ordering or sequence ensures that a first entering conditionfor a first procedure having a lower procedure specific offset is fulfilled when a second entering condition for a second measurement procedure is fulfilled having a higher procedure specific offset.

[0228] The measurement reporting configuration may further include an enter threshold indication for an entering condition of a procedure defining an enter threshold value based on the procedure specific offset for that procedure. Alternatively, or additionally, the enter threshold value is based on at least the procedure specific offset, where the entering condition is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding enter threshold value is reached.

[0229] In another example, the procedures are hierarchically ordered in ascending order based on corresponding enter threshold values or corresponding procedure specific offsets. As an example, the ordering of the procedures may be based on the corresponding procedure specific offsets. Alternatively, the ordering of the procedures may be based on the resulting enter threshold, where the network or RAN might adjust the procedure specific offsets and other terms that may be associated with the corresponding enter thresholds to ensure the enter thresholds can be used to order the procedures in the correct or a specific ascending order required by the network. Thus, the procedure specific offsets, depending on the terms of the enter threshold, might not be in an ascending order, but the resulting enter thresholds may be in ascending order. For example, the enter threshold value for each entering condition may further include a combination of the procedure specific offset for that procedure / entering condition and one or more other values I parameters / offsets or hysteresis associated with the procedure or corresponding entering condition. These other values I parameters I offsets or hysteresis may be defined by the measurement reporting configuration and / or measurement object of the measurement framework.

[0230] The method 600 may be applied to different types of events with different procedures. For example, as described with reference to Figs. 3a to 5a, the procedures may include procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch. In which case, the method 600 may be further modified for receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, a lower layer triggered mobility, LTM, candidate measurement reporting configuration in relation to one or more candidate cells and the serving cell. Step 610 may further be modified for performing the measurements for the candidate cells and the serving cell. Step 620 may be further modified for monitoring, based on measurements for thecandidate cells and serving cell and the procedure specific offsets, the entering conditions of the procedures.

[0231] In some examples, step 620 may be further modified in which the measurement report further includes an indication of the procedure for triggering a network apparatus to perform actions associated with the corresponding procedures for which the entering condition is fulfilled. In addition, the UE apparatus may perform corresponding actions associated with the corresponding procedures for which the entering condition is fulfilled.

[0232] In other examples, the measurement report may further include an indication of the procedures for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled.

[0233] The step 630 may be further modified to also include, in response to determining that only one entering condition is fulfilled based on the measurements, step 630 may be configured to perform triggering transmission of a measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in respect of the procedure associated with the one entering condition that is fulfilled.

[0234] The measurements may include, without limitation, for example one or more from the group of: RSRP measurements; RSRQ measurements; SINR measurements; Beam RSRP measurements; Beam SINR measurements; TA measurements; and / or any other suitable type of measurements, signal measurements or radio link measurements. The measurements may include any type of measurement defined by the measurement reporting configuration and / or as described with reference to Fig. 2. The measurements may include any suitable type of measurements required to be performed by the UE apparatus for performing measurement reporting in respect of the communication system that the UE apparatus is operating within.

[0235] In some examples, the entering conditions may include any of the entering conditions as described and / or defined herein and / or with respect to measurements defined in 3GPP TS 38.331 and / or future revisions thereof, or similar standards and the like in respect of measurement reporting.

[0236] The method 600 may be further modified and / or configured to perform the logic or processes associated with the state machines 510, 710, 1110, 1310 for implementing the single measurement reporting when multiple procedures and / or entering conditions are fulfilled based on the measurements and procedure specific offsets.With reference to the method 600 of Fig. 6a, there may be provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 600 as described with reference to Fig. 6a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 5b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0237] With reference to the method 600 of Fig. 6a, there may be provided a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 600 as described with reference to Fig. 6a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 5b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0238] With reference to the method 600 of Fig. 6a, there may be provided an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method 600 as described with reference to Fig. 6a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 5b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands. In some examples, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0239] With reference to the method 600 of Fig. 6a, there may be provided a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with the at least one data storage for carrying out a method 600 as described with reference to Fig. 6a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 5b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0240] Fig. 6b illustrates an example method 650 for a network apparatus in relation to measurement reporting performed by method 600 by UE apparatus of Fig. 6a to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The network apparatus may include at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by theat least one processor, cause the network apparatus to perform the method 650 based on the following steps of:

[0241] In step 660, receiving, from a UE associated with the network apparatus or RAN with the network apparatus, a measurement report including an indication of a procedure associated with measurements, where the procedure corresponds to at least two procedures of a set of procedures with corresponding entering conditions and procedure specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions. In some examples, there may be at least three procedures, or a plurality of procedures.

[0242] For example, the set of procedures, corresponding entering conditions, and procedure specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions are defined in a measurement reporting configuration specified by the network apparatus or other RAN apparatus and provided to the UE for performing measurement reporting as described with reference to Figs. 5a., 5b and 6a. In an example, each procedure corresponds to a particular procedure of the set of procedures associated with the measurement reporting configuration for an event. Each procedure may also correspond to an event of the same event type, where each event is associated with a measurement identity and corresponding measurement reporting configuration.

[0243] In step 670, inferring from the indication of the procedure a subset of procedures for which the entering condition is fulfilled. As an example, the subset of procedures may include multiple procedures and / or a single procedure depending on whether one or more procedures had entering conditions fulfilled based on the measurements by the UE apparatus.

[0244] In step 680, triggering the network apparatus to perform actions associated with the subset of procedures.

[0245] The network apparatus may infer from the indication of the procedure the subset of procedures because the entering condition for a procedure includes an enter threshold based on the corresponding procedure specific offset. As well, the procedures of the set of procedures are hierarchically ordered based on the corresponding enter thresholds or corresponding procedure specific offsets.

[0246] The method 650 may be applied to different types of events with different procedures. In which case, the method 650 may be further modified for transmitting, to the UE apparatus,a measurement reporting configuration including data indicating the procedures, corresponding entering conditions, and enter thresholds, and procedure specific offsets. For example, as described with reference to Figs. 3a to 5a, the procedures may include procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch. In which case, the method 650 may be further modified for transmitting, to the UE apparatus, a LTM candidate measurement reporting configuration, where each candidate cell is associated with a set of procedures.

[0247] In some examples, the measurement report further includes an indication of the procedure highest in a hierarchy of procedures fulfilling the entering condition for triggering the network apparatus to perform actions associated with the subset of procedures for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled. Additionally, the subset of procedures may further include those procedures in which the entering condition is fulfilled excluding a procedure for which the entering condition was previously fulfilled prior to receiving the measurement report. In some examples, the measurement report may further include an indication of the subset of procedures for which the entering condition is fulfilled.

[0248] With reference to the method 650 Fig. 6b, there may be provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 650 as described with reference to Fig. 6b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 5b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0249] With reference to the method 650 Fig. 6b, there may be provided a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 650 as described with reference to Fig. 6b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 5b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0250] With reference to the method 650 Fig. 6b, there may be provided an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method 650 as described with reference to Fig. 6b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 5b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, oras the application demands. In some examples, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0251] With reference to the method 650 Fig. 6b, there may be provided a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with the at least one data storage for carrying out the method 650 as described with reference to Fig. 6b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 5b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0252] Fig. 7a illustrates an example measurement framework 700 for enter and leave enabled measurement reporting to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. Reference numerals of Fig. 5a to 5b are reused for similar or the same features and / or components and the like. The measurement framework 700 further modifies the measurement framework 200 of Fig. 2 and the measurement framework 500 of Fig. 5a by modifying the measurement reporting configuration (or reporting configuration) 206 and 506 to include leave conditions 708e. The measurement reporting configuration 706 is the same as measurement reporting configuration 506 as described with reference to Fig. 5a but also includes leave conditions 708e. Thus, measurement reporting configuration 706 for an Event of a particular Event type includes an indication of a plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), a corresponding procedure specific offset 508b (e.g., OP1, OP2, OP3, ... which may also be referred to as PSOffl, PSOff2, PSOff3, ... etc.) for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), and a corresponding entering conditions 508c for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...) as described with reference to Fig. 5a. The measurement reporting configuration 706 further includes leave conditions 708e that correspond to the entering conditions 508c.

[0253] When sending a measurement report, the UE 108a sends the measurement identity 202 with the report, along with an indication of at least one procedure fulfilling an entering condition or an indication of at least one procedure fulfilling a leave condition. When the entering conditions for multiple procedures are fulfilled at the same time, a single measurement report is transmitted as described in Figs. 5a to 6b. In this case, the network node 102a operates as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 6b.However, when the leave conditions for multiple procedures are fulfilled at the same time, a single measurement report is transmitted in which a procedure from the multiple procedures is selected for indication in the measurement report that ensures the network node 102a can infer the correct procedures of the multiple procedures with leave conditions fulfilled that require leave actions to be performed thereto.

[0254] For example, the procedure specific offsets are defined to ensure that the plurality of procedures can be hierarchically ordered as described with reference to Figures 5a to 6b. Given this, the procedure lowest in the hierarchical ordering with an leave condition that is fulfilled based on the measurements is selected for indication in the measurement report. The network node 102a, knowing the procedures are hierarchically ordered would then be able to infer those multiple procedures for which the leave condition has been fulfilled in respect of the measurement report it just received. From this the network node 102a can perform the corresponding leave actions for the correct multiple procedures that the UE 108a would have performed in relation to the leave conditions of the multiple procedures being fulfilled based on these measurements.

[0255] The measurement reporting configuration 706 may be transmitted to the UE 108a from the RAN of the network 100 associated with the UE 108a, e.g., from network node 102a. The measurement reporting configuration may include data indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions for a cell 104b are fulfilled by measurements, or when multiple leave conditions for a cell 104b are fulfilled by measurements. The data indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied may include the indication of a plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), a corresponding procedure specific offset 508b (e.g., OP1, OP2, OP3, ... which may also be referred to as PSOffl, PSO1T2, PSOff3, ... etc.) for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), corresponding entering conditions 508c for the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), and corresponding leave conditions 708e for the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...). Alternatively, the data indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied may include an additional element or field within the reporting configuration 706 indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied. In some examples, the measurement reporting configuration 706 may further include an indication of how many procedures or events, corresponding entering conditions, and corresponding leave conditions are to be monitored for neighbouring or serving cells 104b, 104a.Prior to sending the reporting configuration 706 indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied, the UE 108a may report, to the RAN associated with the UE 108a, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of measurement procedures are fulfilled or when multiple leave conditions of measurement procedures are fulfilled. This means the UE 108a is able to implement the logic, processes, and / or methods as herein described to perform single measurement reporting when entering conditions for multiple procedures are fulfilled at the same time based on measurements, or when leave conditions for multiple procedures are fulfilled at the same time based on measurements.

[0256] Fig. 7b illustrates an example enter-leave enabled state machine logic 710 associated with the message flow sequence of Fig. 3b to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. Reference numerals of Figs. 1 to 3b and Figs. 5a to 5b are reused for similar or the same features and / or components and the like. Fig. 7b further modifies the state machine logic 510 of Fig. 5b in which the procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, and 508a-3 are associated with corresponding states 714, 724 and 734, respectively. Each of the states 714, 724, and 734 includes a corresponding enter state 514a, 524a and 534a and a corresponding leave state 714a, 724a, and 734, respectively. In this example, there is a state 714, 724, and 734 in the state machine 710 for each of the procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, and 508a-3 of steps 304a-2 (DL synchronization), 304b-2 (Early UL synchronization), and step 305 (LI measurement report for cell switch command) of Fig. 3b, respectively, where the entering condition is enabled and the leave condition is enabled.

[0257] In this example, the UE 108a receives from the RAN (e.g., network node 102a) a measurement reporting configuration 706 including data representative of an indication of a plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), a corresponding procedure specific offset 508b (e.g., OP1, OP2, OP3, ... which may also be referred to as PSOffl, PSOff2, PSO1T3, ... etc.) for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), a corresponding entering condition 508c for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...), and a corresponding leave condition 708e for each of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...). In this example, there are at least three procedures indicated in the measurement report configuration (e.g., Pl, P2, P3) associated with Event A3. In this example, there are at least three procedures indicated in the measurement report configuration (e.g., Pl, P2, P3) associated with Event A3. The at least three procedures include, without limitation, for example, Early DL synchronization procedure 508a-l, Early UL synchronization procedure 508a-2, and Cell switch command procedure 508a-3. It is noted that the state machine logic 710 may be extended to at least two ormore procedures or a plurality of procedures that require measurement reporting, e.g., Conditional LTM cell switch procedure and the like.

[0258] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, and by way of example only, entering condition A3-1 as described with reference to figures 3a to 4c has each been rearranged and simplified to form entering condition Mn-Mp > Hys + PSOff (Op) for an enter states 514a, 524a, and 534a of states 714, 724, and 734, respectively, with all other offsets set to 0. In this example, all the offsets are set to, without limitation, for example zero except for the procedure specific offsets, denoted, PSOff Op), and also Hys. It is to be appreciated by the skilled person that the other offsets and / or values of the entering condition may be set to any other value as the application demands. One or more of the values such as, without limitation, for example, procedure specific offsets (e.g., PSOff (OP)) for the procedures may be signalled to the UE from the RAN (e.g., gNB) via the measurement report configuration. Each of the procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, and 508a-3 have a particular procedure specific offset 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-3. As well, each of the procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, and 508a-3 have a corresponding entering condition 508c-l, 508c-2, and 508c-3. In this example, the value Hys + PSOFf (Op) forms an enter threshold, such that when the entering condition reaches the entering threshold, the entering condition is fulfilled.

[0259] Similarly, leave condition A3-2 as described with reference to figures 3a to 4c has each been rearranged and simplified to form entering condition Mn-Mp < PSOff Op) - Hys for leave states 714a, 724a, and 734a of states 714, 724, and 734, respectively, with all other offsets set to 0. In this example, all the offsets are set to, without limitation, for example zero except for the procedure specific offsets, denoted, PSOff (Op), and also Hys. It is to be appreciated by the skilled person that the other offsets and / or values of the leave condition may be set to any other value as the application demands. One or more of the values such as, without limitation, for example, procedure specific offsets (e.g., PSOff (OP)) for the procedures may be signalled to the UE from the RAN (e.g., gNB) via the measurement report configuration. Each procedure may have a different values for PSOff (Op), thus will have different enter thresholds. Each of the procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, and 508a-3 have a particular procedure specific offset 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-3. As well, each of the procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, and 508a-3 have a corresponding entering condition 508c-l, 508c-2, and 508c-3. For a leave condition of a procedure, the value PSOff (Op) - Hys forms a leave threshold, such that when the leave condition reaches the leave threshold, the leave condition is fulfilled. Each of the procedures (e.g., Pl, P2, P3) may have a different values for PSOff (Op) (e.g., OP1, OP2, OP3, or PSOffl, PSOff2,PSOff3), thus will have different leave thresholds. The procedure specific offsets 508b- 1,m 508b-2, 508b-3 and Hys are set, by way of example only and without limitation, for the DL synch procedure 508a-l to PSOff = IdB and Hys = 1 dB, for the Early UL synch procedure 508a-2 to PSOff = 4dB and Hys = 1 dB, and for the Cell Switch procedure 508a-3 to PSOff = 7dB and Hys = 1 dB. The procedure specific offset, i.e., PSOff, may also be denoted or referred to herein as Op.

[0260] Although Event A3 is described herein, this is by way of example only, and it is to be appreciated by the skilled person that different events as described with reference to Figs.

[0261] 2 to 4c may be used with different procedures and / or actions that require the same or similar, or different, enter and / or leave conditions and the like.

[0262] In this example, the state machine 710 includes an initial state and at least two states, which in this example, are states 714, 724, and 734 with corresponding enter states 514a, 524a and 534a and leave states 714a, 724a, 734a. Each of the enter states 514a, 524a, and 524b has an entering condition 508c-l, 508c-2, and 508c-3 with an enter threshold 508d-l, 508d-2 and 508d-3, respectively. The enter thresholds 508d-l, 508d-2, and 508d-3 can be derived from the right-hand components of the entering condition, which in this example, are PSOff + Hys. In this example, the procedure specific offsets 508b-l, 508b-2, 508b-3 are selected to ensure the corresponding states 714, 724 and 734 of procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, and 508a-3, respectively, are able to be hierarchically ordered in an ascending order as illustrated in Fig. 7b. As well, each of the leave states 714a, 724a, and 724b has an leave condition 708e-l, 708e-2, and 708e-3 with an leave threshold 708d-l, 708d-2 and 708d-3, respectively. The leave thresholds 708d-l, 708d- 2, and 708d-3 can be derived from the right-hand components of the leave condition, which in this example, is PSOff - Hys. Even though the procedure specific offsets 508b-l, 508b-2, 508b-3 are selected I defined to ensure the corresponding states 714, 724 and 734 of procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, and 508a-3, respectively, are hierarchically ordered in an ascending order as illustrated in Fig. 7b, they are also selected to ensure the corresponding leave thresholds 708d-l, 708d-2 and 708d-3 are also hierarchically ordered in an ascending order as illustrated in Fig. 7b.

[0263] In some examples, the enter thresholds 508d-l, 508d-2, and 508d-3 are equal to the corresponding PSOff 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-2 (e.g., the Hys is moved to the left-hand side of the entering condition). In other examples, each of the enter thresholds 508d-l, 508d-2, and 508d-3 may include a combination of the corresponding PSOff 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-2 and one or more other corresponding parameters or offsets and the like. Inany event, the PSOff 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-2 are defined to enable the states 714, 724, 734, to be ordered in a desired ascending order such that the correct procedures are ordered in an ascending order accordingly.

[0264] In the state machine 710, the states 714, 724, and 734 are hierarchically ordered based on the PSoff (Op) 508b-l, 508b-2, 508b-3, where each enter state of state 714, 724, 734 are directionally linked towards each of the other enter states higher up in the hierarchy of states 714, 724, 734, with the last enter state in the hierarchy not being linked to any other enter state. Similarly, each leave state of state 714, 724, 734 are directionally linked towards each of the other leave states lower in the hierarchy of states 714, 724, 734, with the last leave state in the hierarchy not being linked to any other leave state. That is, the states 714, 724, and 734 are cyclically linked to each of the other states 714, 724, 734 of the states 714, 724, 734. In this example, the initial state 512 is directionally linked towards all enter states 514a, 524a, and 534a, and all leave states 714a, 724a, 734a are directionally linked towards the initial state 512.

[0265] For example, enter state 514a is directionally linked towards both enter states 524a and 534a that are higher up in the hierarchy, enter state 524a is directionally linked towards enter state 534a that is higher up in the hierarchy, which is the highest state in the hierarchy. Leave state 734a is directionally linked to both leave states 714a and 724a that are lower down in the hierarchy, leave state 724a is directionally linked to leave state 714a lower down in the hierarchy, which is the lowest state in the hierarchy.

[0266] As illustrated in Fig. 7a, the states 714, 724, 734 are linked together in a hierarchical manner based on an increasing ordering of the PSOfs 508b-l, 508b-2, and 508b-3. The UE 108a performs measurements in relation to the neighbouring cell 104b and also the serving cell 104a. The UE 108a performing measurements in relation to the neighbour cell 104b and / or serving cell 104a. The UE 108a monitors the entering conditions 508c-l, 508c-2, and 508c-3 for each of the corresponding enter states 514a, 524a, and 534a, respectively, of states 714, 724, 734 based on the measurements. When the UE 108a determines that one or more entering conditions 508c-l, 508c-2, and 508c-3 are fulfilled based on the measurements, then the state machine 710 transitions to the enter state 514a, 524a, or 534a that is highest in the hierarchy for which its corresponding entering condition 508c-l, 508c-2, or 508c-3 is fulfilled based on the measurements. When there is a transition to one of the enter states 514a, 524a, or 534a, a measurement report is sent to the RAN from the UE 108a. Measurement reports are sent only when there is a state transition, and if a transition implies a multiple of the enter states 514a, 524a, and / or534a of states 714, 724, and / or 734 have entering conditions that are turned true, i.e., fulfilled based on the measurements, then only one report transmitted instead of having transmitted a separate report for each of the transitions. In this case, the measurement report includes an indication of the state 714, 724 or 734 that is highest in the hierarchy of the multiple states 714, 724, and / or 734 in which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled based on the measurements. The measurement report may include an indication of the procedure associated with the state that has an enter state with an entering condition being fulfilled that is highest in the hierarchy of states 714, 724, 734. In this manner, the signalling overhead is substantially reduced by skipping one (or multiple) of the measurement report transmissions based on the modified state machine 710.

[0267] As well, the UE 108a also monitors the leave conditions 708c-l, 708c-2, and 708c-3 for each of the corresponding leave states 714a, 724a, and 734a, respectively, of states 714, 724, 734 based on the measurements. When the UE 108a determines that one or more leave conditions 708c-l, 708c-2, and 708c-3 are fulfilled based on the measurements, then the state machine 710 transitions to the leave state 714a, 724a, or 734a that is lowest in the hierarchy for which its corresponding leave condition 708c-l, 708c-2, or 708c-3 is not fulfilled based on the measurements. When there is a transition to one of the leave states 714a, 724a, or 734a, a measurement report is sent to the RAN from the UE 108a. Measurement reports are sent only when there is a state transition, and if a transition implies a multiple of the leave states 714a, 724a, and / or 734a of states 714, 724, and / or 734 have leave conditions that are turned true, i.e., fulfilled based on the measurements, then only one report transmitted instead of having transmitted a separate report for each of the transitions. In this case, the measurement report includes an indication of the state 714, 724 or 734 that is lowest in the hierarchy of the multiple states 714, 724, and / or 734 in which the corresponding leave condition is not fulfilled based on the measurements. The measurement report may include an indication of the procedure associated with the state that has a leave state with a leave condition not being fulfilled that is lowest in the hierarchy of states 714, 724, 734. In this manner, the signalling overhead is substantially reduced by skipping one (or multiple) of the measurement report transmissions based on the modified state machine 710.

[0268] The network 100 or RAN (e.g., network node 102a) may also include a reciprocal state machine to state machine 710 that enables the network node 102a to infer and / or determine from the measurement report the multiple of enter states (or a subset of enter states), and hence which subset of procedures have entering conditions fulfilled based onthe measurements by UE 108a. This is because the network node 102a sends the reporting configuration 706 to the UE 108a in respect of at least the neighbour cell 104b and / or serving cell 104a and so has a reciprocal state machine to state machine 710 that allows the network node 102a to track and determine the correct subset of procedures (e.g., correct multiple of enter states or states) for each transition performed at the UE 108a. Thus, the network node 102a may action the determined subset of procedures corresponding to the multiple of enter states with entering conditions that are fulfilled based on the measurements at the UE 108a. The UE 108a also actions the subset of procedures corresponding to the multiple enter states.

[0269] The reciprocal state machine to state machine 710 also enables the network node 102a to infer and / or determine from the measurement report the multiple of leave states (or a subset of leave states), and hence which subset of procedures have leave conditions fulfilled based on the measurements by UE 108a. This is because the network node 102a sends the reporting configuration 706 to the UE 108a in respect of at least the neighbour cell 104b and / or serving cell 104a and so has a reciprocal state machine to state machine 710 that allows the network node 102a to track and determine the correct subset of procedures (e.g., correct multiple of leave states or states) for each transition performed at the UE 108a. Thus, the network node 102a may action the determined subset of procedures corresponding to the multiple of leave states with leave conditions that are fulfilled based on the measurements at the UE 108a. For example, this may include leave actions that roll-back or revert the subset of procedures performed by network node 102a in respect of the identified subset of procedures. The UE 108a also actions the subset of procedures corresponding to the multiple leave states. For example, this may include leave actions that roll-back or revert the subset of procedures performed by UE 108a in respect of the identified subset of procedures.

[0270] Referring to the state machine 510, the initial condition 512 refers to the state of the UE 108a when none of the procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, 508a-3 for the event are in their corresponding enter states 514a, 524a, 524b or leave states 714a, 724a, 734a, respectively. The state transitions are marked by the directional arrows linking the initial state 512 to each of the enter states 514a, 524a, 524b, and linking each enter state 514a, 524a, or 534a with the other enter states 524a, 534a higher up in the hierarchy of states 714, 724, 734. Each state transition corresponds to the transmission of a measurement report. The structure of the state machine 510, which includes the hierarchical ordering of states 714, 724, 734 or procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, 508a-3, can reduce the reporting overhead when multiple event entering conditions 508c-l, 508c-2, and / or 508c-3 aretriggered simultaneously. Similarly, the state transitions are marked by the directional arrows linking each of the leave states 714a, 724a, 734a to the initial state 512 and linking each leave state 714a, 724a, or 734a with the other leave states 714a, 724a lower down in the hierarchy of states 714, 724, 734. Each state transition corresponds to the transmission of a measurement report. The structure of the state machine 710, which includes the hierarchical ordering of states 714, 724, 734 or procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, 508a-3, can reduce the reporting overhead when multiple event leave conditions 708c-l, 708c-2, and / or 708c-3 are triggered simultaneously.

[0271] For example, the situation when the UE 108a moves from initial condition of initial state 512 to the Cell Switch Enter State 534a of state 734 associated with the Cell Switch procedure 508b-3 is described with reference to Fig. 5b. In another example, consider the situation when the UE 108a moves from the Cell Switch Leave State 734a of state 734 associated with the Cell Switch procedure 508b-3 to the initial condition 512, which conventionally as described with reference to Fig. 4c, would result in the UE 108a transmitting three measurement reports in steps 304a-l, 304b-2, and 305 of Fig. 3b. However, in state machine 710, this corresponds to only one state transition from the leave state 734a of state 734 of the cell switch procedure 508b-3 to the initial state 512. Thus, only one message (= new measurement report, optionally an indicator that more than one event / how many events are reported) transmission and the network infers that the UE triggered the leave condition for all the states 714, 724, 734 at the same time. The measurement report may include an indication of the initial state 512, from which the network node 102a infers, from the indication in the measurement report, that all the leave states 714a, 724a, and 734a (i.e., the multiple leave states) of states 714, 724, 734 simultaneously have leave conditions satisfying the measurements made by the UE 108a. As a result, the network node 102a triggers the leave actions related to rolling-back or terminating / cancelling the procedures 508b-l, 508b-2, 508b-3 associated with states 714, 724, 734 for which the leave condition applies. This may be performed in one combined pass / execution step.

[0272] In this scenario, with reporting on Leave enabled, the technical effect is that the UE 108a switches to the most applicable enter state or the most applicable leave state, and indicates in one measurement report an indication of several procedures / enter states / entering conditions are fulfilled, or indicates in one measurement report an indication of several procedures / leave states / leave conditions are fulfilled, which triggers the network / gNB (e.g., network node 102a) to execute the corresponding leave actionsrelated to the leave states I procedures in which the leave conditions are satisfied or fulfilled based on the measurements.

[0273] As described, the sate machine architecture 710 of Fig. 7b is used when the report on leave configuration is enabled. The UE 108a starts in Initial State 512 (with Initial Condition) (referred to as State Zero from then on) and after a measurement is performed, UE 108a moves to the state 714, 724, 734 with the highest entering condition threshold for which the entering condition still holds true. While in a state 714, 724, 734, after obtaining another measurement, if that measurement triggers the leave condition for the current state 714, 724, 734 of the UE 108a, then the state transition occurs to the state 714, 724, 734 with the lowest leave condition threshold for which the leave condition is not true (e.g., does not hold true) or is unfulfilled. An example of a process for transitioning the state machine 710 is now provided in which, at first, the UE 108a is in the initial condition of State Zero 512. After the UE 108a performs a measurement and, from monitoring the entering conditions 508c-l, 508c-2, 508c-3 of states 714, 724, 734 based on the measurements, may determine that the difference between the serving and neighbouring cells is 7 dB. In this case, the UE 108a transitions to the state 724, which is the early UL sync state 724, because it is the state with the highest entering condition threshold for which the entering condition is still satisfied. In this case, rather than sending two measurement reports for state 714 and 724, the UE 108a sends a single measurement report with an indication of the state 724 (or procedure 502a-2) highest in the hierarchy with an entering condition 508c-2 being fulfilled. In another example, assume that the UE 108a is in the Cell Switch state 734 (i.e., the cell switch procedure 502a-3) and performs a measurement, where the UE 108a determines the difference between the serving and neighbouring cells to be 2 dB. This means that the state machine 710 cannot remain in the cell switch state 734 after determining that the leave condition of the cell switch state 734 is satisfied. This means, the UE 108a has to leave the cell switch state 734 and transition the state machine 710 to the state with the highest leave condition threshold for which the leave condition is not satisfied. In this case, this state corresponds to the DL sync state 714 (i.e., the DL sync procedure 508a-l) because it has the highest leave threshold while still not satisfying the leave condition. In this case, rather than sending two measurement reports for states 724 and 734, the UE 108a sends a single measurement report with an indication of the state 714 (or procedure 502a-l) lowest in the hierarchy with an leave condition 708c-l not being satisfied, i.e., unfulfilled or not true. The advantage of the state machine architecture 710 with leave condition enabled is that there is a significant reduction in signalling overhead.For example, assume the UE 108a performs a measurement and finds out that the difference between serving cell and neighbouring cell is 10 dB. In this case, UE 108a would normally send three measurement reports since the entering conditions of all the states 714, 724, 734 (DL sync, early UL sync and cell switch) are triggered at once. However, with the present state machine structure 710, the UE 108a needs to only send one measurement report in which that measurement report implies that the entering conditions of all the states are triggered. Similarly, while in the cell switch state 734, if UE 108a makes a new measurement and this time the difference between serving cell and neighbouring cell turns out to be 1 dB, UE 108a again transmits only one measurement report (corresponding to moving from cell switch state 734 to DL sync state 714), as opposed to two different measurement reports indicating that the leaving condition for the states 724, 734 were triggered. Another example of the aforementioned state machine 710 is described with respect to the 3GPP TS 38.331 using the operations defined in Appendix A, where a procedure corresponds to a state in the state machine 710 as described herein.

[0274] Although the Event A3 with three procedures 508b-l, 508b-2, 508b-3 have been described herein, this is by way of example only and the state machine 710 and / or the methods described herein in respect of state machine 710 are not so limited. It is to be appreciated by the skilled person that the state machine 710 may be extended to more than three enter states or more than three procedures, such as n>3 procedures. Such procedures may depend on the Event type for the Event and the like. For example, further states including enter states and leave states are possible in the state machine 710, which may include, without limitation, for example one or more procedures associated with dual connectivity, carrier aggregation, different RAT, neighbouring cell available above threshold 1 / below threshold2 / between thresholds and threshold4, and the like. It is also to be appreciated by the skilled person that the state machine 710 may be applied to any type of Event as defined in, without limitation, for example 3GPP TS 38.331 in relation to measurements and the like, and / or the equivalent Events or measurement reporting for future standards and the like.

[0275] Fig. 8a illustrates another example method 800 for a UE apparatus in relation to measurement reporting with leave condition enabled to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The method 800 further modifies the method and / or processes as described in relation to the state machine 710 of Fig. 7b as described herein. The UE apparatus may implement or use a state machine architecture 710 of Fig. 7b and / or any equivalent logic or instructions when performing method 800. The UE apparatus mayinclude at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE apparatus to perform the method 800 based on the following steps of:

[0276] In step 802, performing measurements for an event with at least two or three procedures.

[0277] The measurements may be performed based on measurement framework including a reporting measurement configuration 706 as described with reference to Figs. 2 and 7a. Prior to performing the measurements, the method 800 may further include receiving (e.g., prior to step 802), from a RAN associated with the UE apparatus, a measurement reporting configuration, where the measurement reporting configuration includes data representative of at least two procedures, corresponding entering conditions (also referred to as entering conditions), corresponding leave conditions, and corresponding procedure specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions and leave conditions. The procedure specific offsets may be configured to indicate different conditions for different procedures. In an example, the UE receives, from the RAN associated with the UE, data representative of the measurement reporting configuration indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions for a cell are fulfilled based on measurements or when multiple leave conditions for a cell are fulfilled based on measurements. In some examples, the measurement reporting configuration may include an initial condition for a cell, and said initial condition is satisfied when none of the entering conditions has been fulfilled or none of the leave conditions have been fulfilled. In other examples, the UE apparatus may define an initial condition for the cell, and said initial condition is satisfied when none of the entering conditions has been fulfilled or none of the leave conditions has been fulfilled. The measurements may include measurements of a neighbouring or candidate cell and / or the serving cell.

[0278] For example, the measurement reporting configuration may be based on reporting configuration 706 as described with reference to Fig. 7a. The UE apparatus may also perform one or more processes that implement the logic of state machine 710 of Fig. 7b in respect of the at least two procedures or at least three procedures, corresponding entering conditions, corresponding leave conditions, and procedure specific offsets of the measurement reporting configuration.

[0279] In step 804, monitoring, based on the measurements and the procedure specific offsets, the one or more of the entering conditions of the procedures.In step 806, monitoring, based on the measurements and the procedure specific offsets, one or more leave conditions of the procedures.

[0280] In step 808, triggering transmission of a measurement report to a RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions are fulfilled based on the measurements.

[0281] In step 810, triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple leave conditions are fulfilled based on the measurements, the measurement report including an indication of the procedure in which the leave condition is fulfilled based on the measurements. In other example, the measurement report including an indication of the procedure in which the leave condition is not fulfilled based on the measurements.

[0282] In some examples of method 800, the procedure specific offsets are configured to indicate different conditions or thresholds for different procedures. In one example, and as described previously, each procedure may mean a different event the UE monitors for the same cell. The term procedure is used to distinguish multiple events monitored by the UE for the same event or measurement evaluation. The aim is to create one or more levels of hierarchy to monitor further states in monitoring the measurements for a cell. In other examples, a procedure may be called, without limitation, for example a offset, state, condition, measurement level, signal level, signal strength, proximity, closeness and many more. Main aim is to indicate the status of the measurement of a cell to the network with different granularity. The measurement can be of any quantity such as RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, CSI information etc.

[0283] In some examples, step 802 may further include receiving measurements for a cell in relation to the measurement reporting configuration. Steps 804 and 806 may further include monitoring, based on the measurements for the cell and the procedure specific offsets, either: one or more of the entering conditions of the procedures being fulfilled for the cell; or one or more of the leave conditions of the procedures being fulfilled for the cell. Step 808 may further include triggering transmission of the measurement report comprising data representative of an indication that at least one procedure that fulfils the entering condition for the cell to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions are fulfilled for the cell. Step 810 may further include for triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple leave conditions are fulfilled for the cell, themeasurement report comprising data representative of an indication among the procedures that fulfil the leave condition, the procedure that has the lowest procedure specific offset that fulfils the leave condition is included in the measurement report. In some examples, step 808 may further include triggering transmission of the measurement report comprising data representative of an indication of, among the procedures that fulfil the entering condition, the procedure fulfilling the entering condition for the cell having the highest specific procedure offset is included in the measurement report.

[0284] In some examples, the procedures correspond to a set of procedures associated with a measurement reporting configuration for an event.

[0285] In an example, the measurement reporting configuration further comprises an indication how the entering conditions for the procedures are defined and corresponding values for the procedures when applying the entering conditions, and an indication of how the leave conditions for the procedures are defined and corresponding values for the procedures when applying the leave conditions. The values for a procedure may include data representative of the procedure specific offset for the procedure.

[0286] Additionally, or alternatively, the measurement reporting configuration further including an ordering or sequence indication defining an order or sequence of entering conditions for the procedures, where the ordering or sequence ensures that a first entering condition for a first procedure having a procedure specific offset is fulfilled when a second entering condition for a second procedure is fulfilled having a higher procedure specific offset.

[0287] In some example, the measurement reporting configuration further includes an enter threshold indication for an entering condition of a procedure defining an enter threshold value based on the procedure specific offset for that procedure; and the measurement reporting configuration further including a leave threshold indication for a leave condition of the procedure defining a leave threshold value based on the procedure specific offset for that procedure. The entering condition is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding enter threshold value is reached; and the leave condition is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding leave threshold value is reached.

[0288] In some examples, the procedures are ordered in an increasing order based on the enter threshold value. In some examples, the corresponding leave threshold values are alsoconfigured to have an increasing order. In some examples, the corresponding leave threshold values are also configured to have a decreasing order.

[0289] In an example, the procedures are hierarchically ordered in ascending order based on corresponding enter threshold values or corresponding procedure specific offsets. The corresponding leave threshold values may be configured to be in a hierarchically ascending order.

[0290] The enter threshold value further includes a combination of the procedure specific offset, and one or more other values associated with the procedure or corresponding entering condition of the measurement reporting configuration. The leave threshold value may further include a combination of the procedure specific offset, and one or more other values associated with the procedure or corresponding leave condition of the measurement reporting configuration.

[0291] As an option, measurement report further includes data representative of an indication of a measurement report type. The measurement report may further include data representative of an indication that more than one of the procedures are being reported.

[0292] As an example, the procedures are associated with Event A3 and includes the procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch. The method 800 may further include receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, a LTM candidate measurement reporting configuration in relation to one or more candidate cells and the serving cell; said performing the measurements configured to perform measurements for the candidate cells and the serving cell; said steps 804 and 806 further including monitoring, based on the measurements for the candidate cells and the serving cell and the procedure specific offsets: one or more of the entering conditions of the procedures being fulfilled for one or more of the candidate cells; and / or one or more leave conditions of the procedures being fulfilled for one or more of the candidate cells.

[0293] As an option, each procedure corresponds to an event of the same event type, wherein each event is associated with a measurement identity and corresponding reporting configuration.

[0294] As an example, in response to multiple entering conditions being fulfilled, steps 808 and 810 may further include triggering transmission of the measurement report is furtherconfigured to trigger transmission of a single measurement report comprising data representative of the measurement result of the procedure highest in the ordering fulfilling the entering conditions; and, in response to multiple leave conditions being fulfilled, the means for triggering transmission of the measurement report is further configured to trigger transmission of a single measurement report comprising data representative of the measurement result of the first procedure in the ordering not fulfilling the leave conditions.

[0295] As an example, method 800 may further include receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, data representative of the measurement reporting configuration indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions for a cell are fulfilled based on measurements; or when multiple leave conditions for a cell are fulfilled based on measurements. The measurement reporting configuration may further include an indication of how many procedures or events and corresponding entering conditions and leave conditions are to be observed for a neighbouring or serving cell.

[0296] As another example, method 800 may further include reporting, to the RAN associated with the UE, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of procedures are fulfilled, or when multiple leave conditions of procedures are fulfilled.

[0297] As an example, an initial condition for a cell, and said initial condition is satisfied when none of the entering conditions or leave conditions have been fulfilled.

[0298] In further examples, steps 808 and 810 may further include, the measurement report may further comprises an indication of the procedure for triggering a network apparatus to perform actions associated with the corresponding procedures for which the entering condition is fulfilled; or the measurement report further comprises an indication of the procedure for triggering the network apparatus to perform actions associated with the corresponding procedures for which the leave conditions are fulfilled. Alternatively, or additionally, the measurement report further comprises an indication of the procedures for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled.

[0299] The method 800 may be further modified and / or configured to perform the logic or processes associated with the state machines 510, 710, 1110, 1310 for implementing the single measurement reporting when multiple procedures and / or entering conditions are fulfilled based on the measurements and procedure specific offsets.With reference to the method 800 Fig. 8a, there may be provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 800 as described with reference to Fig. 8a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 7a to 7b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0300] With reference to the method 800 Fig. 8a, there may be provided a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 800 as described with reference to Fig. 8a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 7a to 7b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0301] With reference to the method 800 Fig. 8a, there may be provided an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method 800 as described with reference to Fig. 8a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 7a to 7b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands. In some examples, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0302] With reference to the method 800 Fig. 8a, there may be provided a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with the at least one data storage for carrying out the method 800 as described with reference to Fig. 8a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 7a to 7b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0303] Fig. 8b illustrates another example method 820 for a network apparatus in relation to measurement reporting with leave condition enabled to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The method 820 further modifies the method and / or processes as described with respect to the network node 102a in relation to the state machine 710 of Fig. 7b as described below. The network apparatus may implement or use a reciprocalstate machine architecture of the state machine architecture 710 of Fig. 7b and / or any equivalent logic or instructions when performing method 820. The network apparatus may include at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network apparatus to perform the method 820 based on the following steps of:

[0304] In step 822, receiving, from a user equipment, UE, a measurement report comprising an indication of a procedure associated with measurements, where the procedure corresponds to at least two procedures (or at least three procedures) of a set of procedures with corresponding entering conditions, corresponding leave conditions, and procedure specific offsets for the entering and leave conditions.

[0305] In step 824, performing a determining of a first or second subset of procedures from the measurement report for actioning. For example, in step 824a, the determining a first subset of procedures may include inferring from the indication of the procedure a first subset of procedures for which the entering condition is fulfilled. In step 824b, the determining a second subset of procedures may include inferring from the indication of the procedure a second subset of procedures for which the leave condition is fulfilled.

[0306] In step 826, triggering network apparatus to perform enter or leave actions. In step 826a, triggering the network apparatus to perform entering actions associated with the first subset of procedures. In step 826b, triggering the network apparatus to perform leave actions associated with the second subset of procedures.

[0307] In some example, each procedure corresponds to a particular procedure of the set of procedures associated with a reporting configuration for an event.

[0308] In some examples, the entering condition for a procedure includes an enter threshold based on the corresponding procedure specific offset, and the leave condition for a procedure includes a leave threshold based on the corresponding procedure specific offset.

[0309] In some examples, the procedures of the set of procedures are hierarchically ordered based on the corresponding enter thresholds or corresponding procedure specific offsets.

[0310] In some examples, the procedures of the set of procedures are hierarchically ordered in ascending order based on the enter thresholds or corresponding procedure specific offsets.In some examples, each procedure of the set of procedures is associated with the Event A3 and comprises procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch. The method 820 may further include transmitting, to the UE, a LTM candidate measurement reporting configuration, wherein each candidate cell is associated with a set of procedures.

[0311] In some examples, each procedure corresponds to an event of the same event type, where each event is associated with a measurement identity and corresponding measurement reporting configuration.

[0312] The method 820 may further include transmitting, to the UE, a measurement reporting configuration comprising data indicating the procedures, corresponding entering conditions, and enter thresholds, corresponding leave conditions, and leave thresholds, and procedure specific offsets.

[0313] In some examples, step 822 may include the measurement report further including an indication of the procedure highest in a hierarchy of procedures fulfilling the entering condition for triggering the network apparatus to perform entering actions associated with the first subset of procedures for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled; or the measurement report further including an indication of the first procedure in a hierarchy of procedures that does not fulfil the leave condition for triggering the network apparatus to perform leave actions associated with the second subset of procedures for which the corresponding leave condition is fulfilled.

[0314] In some examples, in step 824, the first subset of procedures further including those procedures in which the entering condition is fulfilled excluding a procedure for which the entering condition was previously fulfilled prior to receiving the measurement report; and where the second subset of procedures further including those procedures in which the leave condition is fulfilled excluding a procedure for which the leave condition was previously fulfilled prior to receiving the measurement report.

[0315] In some examples, step 822 may include the measurement report further including an indication of the subset of procedures for which the entering condition is fulfilled, or an indication of the subset of procedures for which the leave condition is fulfilled.

[0316] With reference to the method 820 Fig. 8b, there may be provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprisingprogram instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 820 as described with reference to Fig. 8b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 7a to 7b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0317] With reference to the method 820 Fig. 8b, there may be provided a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 820 as described with reference to Fig. 8b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 7a to 7b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0318] With reference to the method 820 Fig. 8b, there may be provided an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method 820 as described with reference to Fig. 8b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 7a to 7b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands. In some examples, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0319] With reference to the method 820 Fig. 8b, there may be provided a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with the at least one data storage for carrying out the method 820 as described with reference to Fig. 8b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to Figs. 7a to 7b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0320] In other examples of the procedure based measurement reporting as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 8b may be based on Appendix A, which further illustrates measurement reporting configurations for an event, where the indication of the plurality of procedures 508a (e.g., Pl, P2, P3, ...) are represented, or indicated, using, without limitation, for example, a corresponding variable ProcedurelD for each of the procedures, i.e., a different ProcedurelD is used for each different procedure. The UE 108a and network node 102a may implement a table mapping ProcedurelDs to procedures, so the UE 108amay identify which procedure to use based on receiving the ProcedurelD from the network node 102a in the measurement reporting configuration. As well, in Appendix A, the procedure specific offsets (e.g., OP1, OP2, OP3, ... which may also be referred to as PSOffl, PSOff2, PSOff3, ... etc.) are represented, or indicated, using, without limitation, for example the variable procedurelndividualOffset or the variable Op for the corresponding ProcedurelD. These may be set by the RAN and / or operator of the RAN to achieve the desired ordering of procedures, events, and / or states as described herein and / or below. These variables may be applied to the measurement reporting frameworks of Figs. 5a to 8b and Figs. 11 to 14b when procedure based measurement reporting is performed.

[0321] Fig. 9a illustrates an example measurement framework 900 to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The measurement framework 900 further modifies the measurement framework 200 of Fig. 2 and 500 of Fig. 5a by further modifying the measurement reporting configuration (or reporting configuration) 206 or 506. In this example, there are a plurality of measurement configurations 906a to 906n. Each of the measurement reporting configurations 906a to 906n is configured to include an indication of the event (e.g., El), an indication of the procedure (e.g., Pl) defined by the event (e.g., El), an Event specific offset (e.g., OE1 also referred to as Offl), and an entry or entering condition for the procedure (e.g. Pl). The measurement reporting configuration may also include corresponding values for the corresponding procedure for use when applying the entering condition for the event.

[0322] Each of the events (e.g., El, ..., En) for the measurement reporting configurations 906a to 906n are events of the same type, and the procedure for each of the events (e.g., El, ..., En) are different to the procedures of each of the other events of the plurality of measurement reporting configurations 906a-906n. Instead of having multiple procedures per reporting configuration 506 as described with reference to Fig. 5a, in this example, there are a plurality of reporting configurations 906a-9067n defining an event of the same type, in which each reporting configuration for the event includes a procedure that is different to the procedure of other events of the plurality of reporting configurations 906a-906n. Rather than using the state machine 510 of Fig. 5a to link procedures and hierarchically ordering the procedures as described with reference to Figs. 5a-6b, the state machine 510 of Fig. 5a may be modified to link events and hierarchically order the events based on the event specific offset, where each event has a different procedure, thus by ordering the events, the procedures are hierarchically ordered. In one example the events may be configured to be linked only for the fulfilment of the events for the same cell.When sending a measurement report, the UE 108a sends the measurement identity (e.g., MD1, MDn) indicating the at least one procedure fulfilling the entering condition. When the entering conditions for multiple procedures are fulfilled at the same time, a single measurement report is transmitted in which a procedure from the multiple procedures is selected for indication in the measurement report that ensures the network node 102a can infer the correct subset of procedures of the multiple procedures with entering conditions fulfilled that require enter actions to be performed thereto. For example, the event specific offsets are defined to ensure that the plurality of events defined by each reporting configuration can be hierarchically ordered and the event highest in the hierarchical ordering with a procedure having an entering condition that is fulfilled based on the measurements is selected for indication in the measurement report. The network node 102a, knowing the events are hierarchically ordered would then be able to infer those multiple procedures or a subset of procedures for which the entering condition has been fulfilled in respect of the measurement report it just received. From this the network node 102a can perform the corresponding enter actions of the correct subset of procedures that the UE 108a would have performed in relation to the entering conditions of the subset of procedures being fulfilled based on these measurements.

[0323] The measurement reporting configurations 906a to 906n may be transmitted to the UE 108a from the RAN of the network 100 associated with the UE 108a, e.g., from network node 102a. Each measurement reporting configuration may include data indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions for a cell 104b are fulfilled by measurements. The data indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied may include the indication of the event (e.g., one of El, E2, ..., En), a corresponding event specific offset (e.g., one of OE1, OE2, ..., OEn, also referred to as Ofl, Off2, ...Offrf) for each event, a corresponding indication of a procedure (e.g., one of Pl, P2, ..., Pn) that is different to the other procedures of other events (e.g., El, E2, ..., En), where the events El, ..., En are of the same type, a corresponding entering condition for each procedure (e.g., one of Pl, P2, ..., P3).

[0324] Prior to sending the reporting configurations 906a-906n indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied, the UE 108a may report, to the RAN associated with the UE 108a, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of events are fulfilled. This means the UE 108a is able to implement the logic, processes, and / or methods as herein described to perform single measurement reporting when entering conditions for multiple events (a single procedure per event) are fulfilled at the same time based on measurements.Each entering condition for a procedure of an event may be based on, without limitation, for example the entering condition A3-1 as described with reference to Figs. 2 to 8b, but where the PSOff is replaced by the corresponding event specific offset (e.g., one of OE1, OE2, ..., OEn or Offl, Off2, ...Offrf) for the corresponding event. This enables the events (e.g., El, ..., En) to be hierarchically ordered in a similar manner as described with reference to Figs. 2 to 8b, but where events are ordered rather than procedures. However, since each event has a procedure, when the event has a single procedure, then the procedures also become hierarchically ordered based on the event specific offsets.

[0325] Fig. 9b illustrates another example method 920 for a UE apparatus in relation to measurement reporting with leave condition disabled to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The method 920 further modifies the method and / or processes as described in relation to the state machine 510 of Fig. 5b as described herein. The UE apparatus may implement or use a modified state machine architecture 510 of Fig. 5b and / or any equivalent logic or instructions when performing method 920. The UE apparatus may include at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE apparatus to perform the method 920 based on the following steps of:

[0326] In step 922, performing measurements for at least two events, each event having a procedure. In an example, the measurements may include measurements of a neighbouring or candidate cell and / or the serving cell.

[0327] The measurements may be performed based on measurement framework including a reporting measurement configuration 906 as described with reference to Figs. 2 and 9a.

[0328] Prior to step 922, the method 920 may further include receiving at least two measurement reporting configurations (or at least three measurement reporting configurations), where a measurement reporting configuration comprising data representative of an event, a corresponding procedure and entering condition, and an event specific offset. The event specific offsets may be configured to indicate different conditions for different procedures. The event specific offsets or other indications are configured to prioritise events among each other.

[0329] For example, the measurement reporting configuration may be based on reporting configuration 906 as described with reference to Fig. 9a. The UE apparatus may alsoperform one or more processes that implement the logic of state machine 510 of Fig. 5b when modified in which the enter states represent events, corresponding entering conditions, and event specific offsets of the measurement reporting configuration.

[0330] In step 924, monitoring, based on measurements and the event specific offsets, the at least two events (or at least three events) based on the corresponding entering conditions of the corresponding procedures.

[0331] In step 926, triggering transmission of a measurement report to a radio access network, RAN, associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions are fulfilled for multiple events.

[0332] Step 922 may further include receiving measurements for a cell in relation to the measurement reporting configurations. Step 924 may further include monitoring, based on the measurements for the cell and the event specific offsets, one or more of the entering conditions of the corresponding procedures being fulfilled for the cell. Step 926 may further include triggering transmission of the measurement report comprising data representative of indicating the event having the highest priority that includes a procedure that fulfils the entering condition for the cell to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions are fulfilled for the cell.

[0333] In some examples, the events are ordered in an ascending order based on the corresponding event specific offsets.

[0334] In some examples, the events are an event of the same event type, and the events have different procedures.

[0335] In some examples, one of a plurality of events is associated with one of a plurality of measurement identities of corresponding measurement reporting configurations. As an option, each measurement identity is associated with a particular procedure.

[0336] In some examples, one of a plurality of events is associated with one of a plurality of event specific offsets, an enter threshold for the entering condition of the corresponding procedure and associated with the corresponding event specific offset.

[0337] In some examples, the events are arranged in a hierarchical ordering based on the corresponding enter thresholds or corresponding event specific offsets.

[0338] In some examples, said events are hierarchically ordered in ascending order based on the corresponding enter thresholds or corresponding event specific offsets.In some examples, step 922 may further include triggering transmission of the measurement report is further configured to trigger transmission of a single measurement report comprising data representative of the measurement result of the procedure of the event highest in the ordering that fulfils the entering conditions.

[0339] In some examples, the method 920 may further include receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, data representative of the measurement reporting configuration indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions for a cell are fulfilled by measurements.

[0340] In some examples, the method 920 may further include reporting, to the RAN associated with the UE, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of corresponding procedures for events are fulfilled.

[0341] As an option, the measurement reporting configuration further includes an indication of how many events and corresponding entering conditions for corresponding procedures are to be observed for a neighbouring or serving cell. The measurement reporting configuration further includes an indication how the entering condition for a procedure of an event are defined and corresponding values for the event and procedure of the event when applying the entering condition.

[0342] In some examples, the values for an event includes data representative of the event specific offset for the event and applied to the entering condition for the procedure. In some examples, the measurement reporting configuration further including an enter threshold indication for an entering condition of a procedure of the event defining an enter threshold value based on the event specific offset for the event.

[0343] In some examples, the enter threshold value is based on at least the event specific offset, where the entering condition is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding enter threshold value is reached.

[0344] In some examples, said events are hierarchically ordered in ascending order based on corresponding enter threshold values or corresponding event specific offsets.

[0345] In some examples, the enter threshold value further comprises a combination of the event specific offset and one or more other values associated with the procedure or corresponding entering condition of the measurement reporting configuration.

[0346] In some examples, the measurement report further includes representative of an indication of a measurement report type.In some examples, the measurement report further including data representative of an indication that more than one event or procedures are being reported.

[0347] In some examples, the indication that more than one event or procedures are being reported includes a measurement identity associated with the event highest in a hierarchy of events ordered based on the event specific offsets.

[0348] In some examples, where the events are of the same type and the events include different procedures. For example, different procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch.

[0349] In some examples, the method 920 further includes receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, a lower layer triggered mobility, LTM, candidate measurement reporting configuration in relation to one or more candidate cells and the serving cell; performing the measurements configured to perform measurements for the candidate cells and the serving cell; and monitoring, based on measurements for the candidate cells and serving cell and the event specific offsets, the entering conditions of the procedures of the events.

[0350] In some examples, the method 920 includes an initial condition for a cell, and said initial condition is satisfied when none of the entering conditions has been fulfilled.

[0351] In some examples, the measurement report further includes an indication of the event or corresponding procedure for triggering a network apparatus to perform actions associated with the corresponding multiple procedures for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled.

[0352] In some examples, the measurement report further includes an indication of the multiple procedures or events for which the corresponding entering conditions are fulfilled.

[0353] The method 920 may be further modified and / or configured to perform the logic or processes associated with the state machines 510, 710, 1110, 1310 for implementing the single measurement reporting when multiple events and / or entering conditions are fulfilled based on the measurements and event specific offsets.

[0354] With reference to the method 920 of Fig. 9b, there may be provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 920 as described with reference to Fig. 9b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference toany of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9c, and 10a to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0355] With reference to the method 920 of Fig. 9b, there may be provided a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 920 as described with reference to Fig. 9b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9c, and 10a to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0356] With reference to the method 920 of Fig. 9b, there may be provided an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method 920 as described with reference to Fig. 9b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9c, and 10a to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands. In some examples, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0357] With reference to the method 920 of Fig. 9b, there may be provided a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with the at least one data storage for carrying out the method 920 as described with reference to Fig. 9b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9c, and 10a to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0358] Fig. 9c illustrates another example method 950 for a network apparatus in relation to measurement reporting with leave condition disabled to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The method 950 further modifies the method and / or processes as described with respect to the network node 102a in relation to the state machine 510 of Fig. 5b as described herein. The network apparatus may implement or use a reciprocal state machine architecture of the modified state machine architecture 510 of Fig. 5b and / or any equivalent logic or instructions when performing method 950. The network apparatus may include at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network apparatus to perform the method 950 based on the following steps of:In step 952, receiving, from a user equipment (UE) a measurement report including an indication of a procedure of an event associated with measurements, where the event corresponds to at least two events of the same event type, one of the at least two events associated with one of at least two procedures of a set of procedures with corresponding entering conditions and corresponding event specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions.

[0359] In step 954, inferring from the indication of the procedure of the event a subset of procedures of events for which the entering condition is fulfilled.

[0360] In step 956, triggering the network apparatus to perform entering actions associated with the subset of procedures of events.

[0361] In some examples, each event corresponds to a particular procedure of the set of procedures associated with the measurement reporting configurations for the events. In some examples, the entering condition for a procedure of an event includes an enter threshold based on the corresponding event specific offset.

[0362] In some examples, the events are hierarchically ordered in ascending order based on the enter thresholds or corresponding event specific offsets.

[0363] In some examples, the events are associated with the same type of event (e.g., Event A3) and the events include different procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch. In some examples, transmitting, to the UE, a LTM candidate measurement reporting configuration, wherein each candidate cell is associated with a set of events or procedures.

[0364] In some examples, each procedure corresponds to an event of the same event type, where each event is associated with a measurement identity and corresponding measurement reporting configuration. The events may be any event type as described with reference to Fig. 2a and / or as described herein.

[0365] In some examples, the method 950 may further include transmitting, to the UE, at least two measurement reporting configurations, one of the at least two measurement reporting configurations including data indicating an event or event type, a procedure for the event, corresponding entering condition, and enter threshold, and event specific offset.In some examples, step 952 may include the measurement report further including an indication of the event highest in a hierarchy of events with procedures fulfilling the entering condition for triggering the network apparatus to perform actions associated with the subset of procedures of the events for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled.

[0366] In some examples, in steps 954 or 956, the subset of procedures further include those procedures of events in which the entering condition is fulfilled excluding a procedure of an event for which the entering condition was previously fulfilled prior to receiving the measurement report.

[0367] In some examples, in step 952, the measurement report may further include an indication of the subset of procedures of events for which the entering condition is fulfilled.

[0368] With reference to the method 950 Fig. 9c, there may be provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 950 as described with reference to Fig. 9c, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9b, and 10a to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0369] With reference to the method 950 Fig. 9c, there may be provided a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 950 as described with reference to Fig. 9c, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9b, and 10a to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands. With reference to the method 950 Fig. 9c, there may be provided an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method 950 as described with reference to Fig. 9c, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9b, and 10a to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0370] In some examples, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.With reference to the method 950 Fig. 9c, there may be provided a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with the at least one data storage for carrying out the method 950 as described with reference to Fig. 9c, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9b, and 10a to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0371] Fig. 10a illustrates an example measurement framework 1000 to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The measurement framework 1000 further modifies the measurement framework 200 of Fig. 2, 700 of Fig. 7a, and 900 of Fig. 9a by further modifying the measurement reporting configuration (or reporting configuration) 906 to include a leave condition. In this example, there are a plurality of measurement configurations 1006a to 1006n. Each of the measurement reporting configurations 1006a to 1006n is configured to include an indication of the event (e.g., El), an indication of the procedure (e.g., Pl) defined by the event (e.g., El), an Event specific offset (e.g., OE1, or Offl), and an entry or entering condition for the procedure (e.g. Pl) and a corresponding leave condition for the procedure (e.g., Pl). The measurement reporting configuration may also include corresponding values for the corresponding procedure for use when applying the entering condition for the event. Each of the events (e.g., El, ..., En) for the measurement reporting configurations 1006a to 1006n are events of the same type, and the procedure for each of the events (e.g., El, ..., En) are different to the procedures of each of the other events of the plurality of measurement reporting configurations 1006a-1006n. Instead of having multiple procedures per reporting configuration 506 as described with reference to Fig. 5a, in this example, there are a plurality of reporting configurations 1006a-1006n defining an event of the same type, in which each reporting configuration for the event includes a procedure that is different to the procedure of other events of the plurality of reporting configurations 1006a-1006n. Rather than using the state machine 710 of Fig. 7a to link procedures and hierarchically ordering the procedures as described with reference to Figs. 7a-8b, the state machine 710 of Fig. 7a may be modified to link events and hierarchically order the events based on the event specific offset, where each event has a different procedure, thus by ordering the events, the procedures are hierarchically ordered.

[0372] When sending a measurement report, the UE 108a sends the measurement identity (e.g., MIDI, ..., MIDn) indicating the at least one procedure fulfilling a corresponding enteringcondition or the at least one procedure fulfilling a corresponding leave condition. When the entering conditions for multiple procedures are fulfilled at the same time, a single measurement report is transmitted in which a procedure from the multiple procedures is selected for indication in the measurement report that ensures the network node 102a can infer the correct subset of procedures of the multiple procedures with entering conditions fulfilled that require enter actions to be performed thereto. The measurement identity (e.g., MIDI) for an event (e.g., El) may be used to identify the procedure (e.g., Pl) for that event (e.g., El) because typically there is a single procedure (e.g., Pl) per reporting configuration 906a. A single measurement report is transmitted as described in Figs. 5a to 6b and 7a to 8b. When the leave conditions for multiple events in respect of the corresponding procedures are fulfilled at the same time, a single measurement report is transmitted in which a procedure from the multiple events is selected for indication in the measurement report that ensures the network node 102a can infer the correct procedures of the multiple events with corresponding procedures with leave conditions fulfilled that require leave actions to be performed thereto.

[0373] For example, the event specific offsets (OE1, ...OEn, also referred to as Ofl, Offrf) are defined to ensure that the plurality of events defined by each reporting configuration can be hierarchically ordered and the event highest in the hierarchical ordering with a procedure having an entering condition that is fulfilled based on the measurements is selected for indication in the measurement report. The network node 102a, knowing the events are hierarchically ordered would then be able to infer those multiple procedures or a subset of procedures for which the entering condition has been fulfilled in respect of the measurement report it just received. From this the network node 102a can perform the corresponding enter actions of the correct subset of procedures that the UE 108a would have performed in relation to the entering conditions of the subset of procedures being fulfilled based on these measurements. Similarly for the leave conditions, the event lowest in the hierarchical ordering of events with a procedure in which the corresponding leave condition that is fulfilled based on the measurements is selected for indication in the measurement report. The procedure may be selected for indication in the measurement report, or the MID associated with the corresponding reporting configuration may be used. The network node 102a, knowing the events are hierarchically ordered would then be able to infer those multiple events with procedures for which the leave condition has been fulfilled in respect of the measurement report it just received. From this the network node 102a can perform the corresponding leave actions for the correct subset of procedures from the multiple events that the UE 108a would have performed in relation to the leaveconditions of the procedures of the multiple events being fulfilled based on these measurements.

[0374] The measurement reporting configurations 906a to 906n may be transmitted to the UE 108a from the RAN of the network 100 associated with the UE 108a, e.g., from network node 102a. Each measurement reporting configuration may include data indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions for a cell 104b are fulfilled by measurements. The data indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied may include the indication of the event (e.g., one of El, E2, ..., En), a corresponding event specific offset (e.g., one of OE1, OE2, ..., OEn, or Offl, ..., Offn) for each event, a corresponding indication of a procedure (e.g., one of Pl, P2, ..., Pn) that is different to the other procedures of other events (e.g., El, E2, ..., En), where the events El, ..., En are of the same type, a corresponding entering condition and corresponding leave condition for each procedure (e.g., one of Pl, P2, ..., P3).

[0375] Prior to sending the reporting configurations 906a-906n indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied, the UE 108a may report, to the RAN associated with the UE 108a, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of events are fulfilled or when multiple leave conditions of events are fulfilled. This means the UE 108a is able to implement the logic, processes, and / or methods as herein described to perform single measurement reporting when entering conditions for multiple events (a single procedure per event) are fulfilled at the same time based on measurements, and when leave conditions for multiple events (a single procedure per event) are fulfilled at the same time based on measurement.

[0376] Each entering condition for a procedure of an event may be based on, without limitation, for example the entering condition A3-1 as described with reference to Figs. 2 to 8b, but where the PSOff is replaced by the corresponding event specific offset (e.g., one of OE1, OE2, ..., OEn, or Offl, ..., Offn) for the corresponding event. Each leave condition for a procedure of an event may be based on, without limitation, for example the leave condition A3-2 as described with reference to Figs. 2 to 8b, but where the PSOff is replaced by the corresponding event specific offset (e.g., one of OE1, OE2, ..., OEn or Offl, ..., Offn) for the corresponding event. The event specific offset enables the events (e.g., El, ..., En) to be hierarchically ordered in a similar manner as described with reference to Figs. 2 to 8b, but where events are ordered rather than procedures. However, since each event has a procedure, when the event has a single procedure, then the procedures also become hierarchically ordered based on the event specific offsets.Fig. 10b illustrates another example method 1020 for a UE apparatus in relation to measurement reporting with leave condition enabled to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The method 1020 further modifies the method and / or processes as described in relation to the state machine 710 of Fig. 7b as described herein. The UE apparatus may implement or use a state machine architecture 710 of Fig. 7b and / or any equivalent logic or instructions when performing method 1020. The UE apparatus may include at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE apparatus to perform the method 1020 based on the following steps of:

[0377] In step 1022, performing measurements for an event with at least two or three events, each event having a procedure. In an example, the measurements may include measurements of a neighbouring or candidate cell and / or the serving cell.

[0378] The measurements may be performed based on measurement framework including a reporting measurement configuration 1006 as described with reference to Figs. 2 and 10a. Prior to performing the measurements, (e.g., prior to step 1022), the method 1020 may include receiving at least two measurement reporting configurations, where a measurement reporting configuration comprising data representative of an event, a corresponding procedure, corresponding entering condition and leave condition, and event specific offset for the entering condition and leave condition. The event specific offsets are configured to prioritise the ordering of the events.

[0379] In step 1024, monitoring, based on the measurements and the event specific offsets, one or more of the entering conditions of the procedures of the event.

[0380] In step 1026, monitoring, based on the measurements and the event specific offsets, one or more leave conditions of the procedures of the events.

[0381] In step 1028, triggering transmission of a measurement report to a radio access network (RAN) associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions are fulfilled.

[0382] In step 1030, triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple leave conditions are fulfilled. The measurement report including an indication of the procedure of the event in which the leave condition is fulfilled. Alternatively, the measurement report including an indication of the procedure of the event in which the leave condition is not fulfilled.Step 1022 may further include receiving measurements for a cell in relation to the measurement reporting configurations. Steps 1024 and 1026 may further include monitoring, based on the measurements for the cell and the event specific offsets, either: one or more of the entering conditions of the procedures of events being fulfilled for the cell; or one or more of the leave conditions of the procedures of events being fulfilled for the cell. Step 1028 may further include triggering transmission of the measurement report comprising data representative of an indication that the procedure of an event having the highest priority that fulfils the entering condition for the cell to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions are fulfilled for the cell. Step 1030 may further include triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple leave conditions are fulfilled for the cell, the measurement report comprising data representative of an indication that the procedure of an event that does not fulfil the leave condition is adjacent in priority to a procedure of an event for the cell that does fulfil the leave condition.

[0383] In some examples, the events are ordered in an increasing order of priority based on the corresponding event specific offsets.

[0384] In some examples, the events are an event of the same event type, and the events have different procedures.

[0385] In some examples, one of a plurality of events is associated with one of a plurality of measurement identities of corresponding measurement reporting configurations.

[0386] In some examples, each measurement identity is associated with a particular procedure of a set of procedures associated with the same type of event.

[0387] In some examples, one of a plurality of events is associated with one of a plurality of event specific offsets, an enter threshold for the entering condition of the corresponding procedure, a leave threshold for the leave condition of the corresponding procedure and associated with the corresponding event specific offset.

[0388] In some examples, the events are arranged in a hierarchical ordering based on the corresponding enter thresholds or corresponding event specific offsets.

[0389] In some examples, said events are hierarchically ordered in ascending order based on the corresponding enter thresholds or corresponding event specific offsets.

[0390] In some examples, the entering condition is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding enter threshold is reached; and where the leave condition is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding leave threshold is reached.In some examples, the measurement reporting configuration for an event further comprises an indication how the entering condition for the procedure of the event is defined and corresponding values for the procedure when applying the entering conditions, and an indication of how the leave conditions for the procedure of the event is defined and corresponding values for the procedure when applying the leave conditions.

[0391] In some examples, the measurement reporting configuration for an event further comprising an enter threshold indication for an entering condition of a procedure defining an enter threshold value based on the event specific offset; as an option, the measurement reporting configuration for the event further comprising a leave threshold indication for a leave condition of the procedure defining a leave threshold value based on the event specific offset.

[0392] In some examples, the entering condition is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding enter threshold value is reached; and where the leave condition is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding leave threshold value is reached.

[0393] In some examples, the events are ordered in an increasing order based on the enter threshold value of the corresponding procedures, and wherein the corresponding leave threshold values are configured to result in a corresponding decreasing order.

[0394] In some examples, said events are hierarchically ordered in ascending order based on corresponding enter threshold values of the corresponding procedures or corresponding event specific offsets, and the corresponding leave threshold values are configured to be in a hierarchically descending order.

[0395] In some examples, the enter threshold value further comprises a combination of the event specific offset and one or more other values associated with the procedure of the event or corresponding entering condition of the measurement reporting configuration for the event; and where the leave threshold value further comprises a combination of the event specific offset and one or more other values associated with the procedure of the event or corresponding leave condition of the measurement reporting configuration for the event.

[0396] In some examples, the measurement report further comprises data representative of an indication of a measurement report type.

[0397] In some examples, where the measurement report further comprising data representative of an indication that more than one procedures of events are being reported.In some examples, the events are associated with the A3 event, and the events includes different procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch. As an option, the method 1020 may further include receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, a lower layer triggered mobility, LTM, candidate measurement reporting configuration in relation to one or more candidate cells and the serving cell. Performing the measurements configured to perform measurements for the candidate cells and the serving cell. Steps 1024 and 1026 may further include monitoring, based on the radio link measurements for the candidate cells and the serving cell and the event specific offsets: one or more of the entering conditions of the procedures of events being fulfilled for one or more of the candidate cells; and / or one or more leave conditions of the procedures of events being fulfilled for one or more of the candidate cells.

[0398] In some examples, each procedure corresponds to an event of the same event type, wherein each event is associated with a measurement identity and corresponding reporting configuration.

[0399] In some examples, in response to multiple entering conditions being fulfilled, the means for triggering transmission of the measurement report is further configured to trigger transmission of a single measurement report comprising data representative of the measurement result of the procedure of the event highest in the ordering fulfilling the entering conditions; and where, in response to multiple leave conditions being fulfilled, the means for triggering transmission of the measurement report is further configured to trigger transmission of a single measurement report comprising data representative of the measurement result of the first procedure of the event in the ordering not fulfilling the leave conditions.

[0400] In some examples, the method 1020 further including receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, data representative of the measurement reporting configuration for the event indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions for a cell are fulfilled based on radio link measurements; or when multiple leave conditions for a cell are fulfilled based on radio link measurements.

[0401] In some examples, the method 1020 further including reporting, to the RAN associated with the UE, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of procedures of events are fulfilled, or when multiple leave conditions of procedures of events are fulfilled.

[0402] In some examples, the measurement report further comprises an indication of the procedure for an event for triggering a network apparatus to perform enter actionsassociated with the corresponding procedure of the event for which the entering condition is fulfilled; or where the measurement report further comprises an indication of the procedure for the event for triggering the network apparatus to perform leave actions associated with the corresponding procedure of the event for which the leave condition are fulfilled.

[0403] In some examples, the measurement report further comprises an indication of the procedures for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled, or an indication of the procedures for which the corresponding leave condition is fulfilled.

[0404] The method 1020 may be further modified and / or configured to perform the logic or processes associated with the state machines 510, 710, 1110, 1310 for implementing the single measurement reporting when multiple events and / or entering conditions are fulfilled based on the measurements and event specific offsets.

[0405] With reference to the method 1020 of Fig. 10b, there may be provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 1020 as described with reference to Fig. 10b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9c, 10a, and 10c to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0406] With reference to the method 1020 of Fig. 10b, there may be provided a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 1020 as described with reference to Fig. 10b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9c, 10a, and 10c to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0407] With reference to the method 1020 of Fig. 10b, there may be provided an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method 1020 as described with reference to Fig.

[0408] 10b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9c, 10a, and 10c to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands. In some examples, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.With reference to the method 1020 of Fig. 10b, there may be provided a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with the at least one data storage for carrying out the method 1020 as described with reference to Fig. 10b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9c, 10a, and 10c to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0409] Fig. 10c illustrates another example method 1050 for a network apparatus in relation to measurement reporting with leave condition enabled to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The method 1050 further modifies the method and / or processes as described with respect to the network node 102a in relation to the state machine 710 of Fig. 7b as described herein. The network apparatus may implement or use a reciprocal state machine architecture of the modified state machine architecture 710 of Fig. 7b and / or any equivalent logic or instructions when performing method 1050. The network apparatus may include at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network apparatus to perform the method 1050 based on the following steps of:

[0410] In step 1052, receiving, from a UE, a measurement report comprising an indication of a procedure of an event associated with measurements, wherein the event corresponds to at least two events of the same event type, one of the at least two events are associated with one of at least two procedures of a set of procedures with corresponding entering condition and leave condition, and event specific offsets for the entering and leave conditions.

[0411] In step 1054, determining a first or second subset of procedures for actioning based on the indication. In step 1054a, determining includes inferring from the indication of the procedure of the event a first subset of procedures of the at least two events for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled. In step 1054b, determining includes inferring from the indication of the procedure of the event a second subset of procedures of the events for which the leave condition is fulfilled.

[0412] In step 1028, triggering the network apparatus to perform entering actions associated with the first subset of procedures.

[0413] In step 1030, triggering the network apparatus to perform leave actions associated with the second subset of procedures.In some examples, each event corresponds to a particular procedure of the set of procedures associated with a measurement reporting configurations for the events.

[0414] In some examples, the entering condition for a procedure of an event comprises an enter threshold based on the corresponding event specific offset, and the leave condition for a procedure of the event comprises a leave threshold based on the corresponding event specific offset.

[0415] In some examples, the events are hierarchically ordered based on the corresponding enter thresholds for the corresponding procedures or corresponding event specific offsets.

[0416] In some examples, the events are hierarchically ordered in ascending order based on the enter thresholds of the corresponding procedures or corresponding event specific offsets. In some examples, the events are associated with the A3 event, and the events includes different procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch. In some examples, transmitting, to the UE, a LTM candidate measurement reporting configuration, wherein each candidate cell is associated with a set of events or procedures.

[0417] In some examples, each procedure corresponds to an event of the same event type, where each event is associated with a measurement identity and corresponding measurement reporting configuration. The events may be based on the events as described with reference to Fig. 2.

[0418] In some examples, transmitting, to the UE, at least two measurement reporting configurations, one of the at least two measurement reporting configurations comprising data indicating an event or event type, a measurement procedure for the event, corresponding entering condition and leave condition, an enter threshold and leave threshold, and event specific offset.

[0419] In some examples, the measurement report further includes an indication of the procedure of the event highest in a hierarchy of events with procedures fulfilling the entering condition for triggering the network apparatus to perform entering actions associated with the first subset of procedures for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled; or where the measurement report further includes an indication of the first procedure of the event in a hierarchy of events that does not fulfil the leave condition for triggering the network apparatus to perform leave actions associated with the second subset of procedures for which the corresponding leave condition is fulfilled.In some examples, the first subset of procedures further comprising those procedures in which the entering condition is fulfilled excluding a procedure for which the entering condition was previously fulfilled prior to receiving the measurement report; and where the second subset of procedures further comprising those procedures in which the leave condition is fulfilled excluding a procedure for which the leave condition was previously fulfilled prior to receiving the measurement report.

[0420] In some examples, the measurement report further comprises an indication of the subset of procedures for which the entering condition is fulfilled, or an indication of the subset of procedures for which the leave condition is fulfilled.

[0421] With reference to the method 1050 Fig. 10c, there may be provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 1050 as described with reference to Fig. 10c, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, and 11 to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0422] With reference to the method 1050 Fig. 10c, there may be provided a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 1050 as described with reference to Fig. 10c, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, and 11 to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0423] With reference to the method 1050 Fig. 10c, there may be provided an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method 1050 as described with reference to Fig.

[0424] 10c, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, and 11 to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands. In some examples, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0425] With reference to the method 1050 Fig. 10c, there may be provided a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with theat least one data storage for carrying out the method 1050 as described with reference to Fig. 10c, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, and 11 to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0426] Other examples of the event based measurement reporting as described with reference to Figs. 9a to 10c may be based on Appendix A, which further illustrates measurement reporting configurations for an event and which may be configured for event based reporting as described herein with reference to Figs. 9a to 10c and / or Figs. 11 to 14b. In Appendix A, the measurement reporting configuration may specify the event and an indication of a procedure (e.g., Pl) for that event, which is represented, or indicated, using, without limitation, for example, a corresponding variable ProcedurelD for each procedure, i.e., a different ProcedurelD is used for each different procedure. This may be extended for multiple measurement reporting configurations for the plurality of events as described with reference to Figs. 9a to 10c and / or 11 to 14b. The UE 108a and network node 102a may implement a table mapping ProcedurelDs to procedures, so the UE 108a may identify which procedure to use based on receiving the ProcedurelD from the network node 102a in the measurement reporting configuration. As well, in Appendix A, the event specific offsets (e.g., OE1, OE2, OE3 ... which may also be referred to as Offl, Off2, Off3, ... etc.) are represented, or indicated, using, without limitation, for example the variable Off for the corresponding Event. Given that each event (e.g., El) has a dedicated procedure (e.g., Pl, identified using a ProcedurelD), this means that each event specific offset (e.g., OE1, or Offl) is a dedicated procedure specific offset. These may be set by the RAN and / or operator of the RAN to achieve the desired ordering of procedures, events, and / or states as described herein and / or below. These variables may be applied to the measurement reporting frameworks of Figs. 9a to 10c and Figs. 11 to 14b when event based measurement reporting is performed.

[0427] Fig. 11 illustrates an example state machine logic or architecture 1100 associated with entering condition enabled and leave condition disabled measurement reporting in relation to n states to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The state machine logic or architecture 1100 further modifies the state machine logic or architecture 510 of Fig.

[0428] 5b by generalizing the state machine logic 510 to a plurality of states 1108a-l, 1108a-2, 1108a-3, ...., 1108a-n for a number n of states (e.g., State a, State b, State c, ..., State n). In the example state machine logic 510 of Fig. 5b, n = 3 in which the states are associated with procedures 508a-l, 508a-2, 508a-3 of steps 304a-2 (DL synchronization), 304b-2 (Early UL synchronization), and step 305 (LI measurement report for cell switchcommand) of Fig. 3b. Although each state in the state machine logic 1100 of Fig. 11 may represent a procedure as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 6b, the skilled person would understand that each state in the state machine logic / architecture 1100 of Fig. 11 may represent a plurality of an events, with the events represented by the states, which are events of the same type, and where each event is associated with a different procedure as described for example in Figs. 9a to 9c.

[0429] Generalizing to a plurality of n states (e.g., n>2, n=3, or n>>3) the state machine logic 510 of Fig. 5b may be represented by state machine logic 1100 of Fig. 11. In this example, each of the states 1108a-l, ...., 1108a-n (e.g., State a, ..., State n) includes a corresponding enter state (e.g., Enter State a, ..., Enter State n). Each of the enter states 1114a, 1124a, 1134a, ..., 1144a having a corresponding entering condition 1108c-l, 1108c-2, 1108c-3, ..., 1108c-3 (e.g., ECa, ...ECn) with corresponding enter thresholds 1108d-l, 1108d-2, 1108d-3, ..., 1108d-n (e.g., ETa, ..., ETn), respectively. Each of the states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n (e.g., State a, ..., State n) also has a corresponding State Specific Offset 1108b-l, ..., 1108b-n (e.g., STOffa (Osta), ..., STOffn (Ostn)), respectively. The states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n are also hierarchically ordered. For example, the states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n may be hierarchically ordered based on the enter thresholds 1108d-1, ..., 1108d-n (e.g., ETa, ..., ETn) for each of the states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n (e.g., State a, ..., State n). In another example, the states may be hierarchically ordered based on the State Specific Offsets 1108b-l, ..., 1108b-n (e.g., STOffa (Osta), ..., STOffn (Ostn)). In another example, the enter thresholds 1108d-l, ..., 1108d-n (e.g., ETa,..., ETn) may be based on the State Specific Offsets 1108b-l, ..., 1108b-n (e.g., STOffa (Osta), ..., STOffn (Ostn)) in a similar manner as described with reference to Figs. 5a to 6b and / or Figs. 9a to 9c in relation to leave disabled measurement reporting based on procedures and / or events, respectively. State specific offsets can be also state specific thresholds. An offset is expected to be around -10 to +10 dB where an offset can be configured in dBm values can vary from -60 dBm to -120 dBm.

[0430] In this example, the state machine 1100 includes an initial state (IC) 1112 and n states 1108a-l, ...., 1108a-n (e.g., State a, ..., State n), which in this example, are enter states 1114a, ..., 1144a having corresponding entering conditions 1108c-l, ..., 1108c-3 (e.g., ECa, ..., ECn) with enter thresholds 1108d-l, ..., 1108d-n (e.g., ETa, ..., ETn), respectively. For example, for each enter state 1114a, the entering condition 1108c-l (also referred to as an entering condition) may be based on entering condition A3-1 as described in Fig. 2, where the enter threshold 1108d-l (e.g., ETa) can be derived from the right-hand components of the entering condition, which typically may include the corresponding StateSpecific Offset 1108b-l (e.g., STOffa (Osta)). This is applicable for each of the states 1108a-l, 1108n-l. The Enter thresholds 1108d-l, 1108d-n or State Specific Offsets 1108b-l, 1108b-n are selected or adjusted to ensure a specific ordering of the states 1108a-l, 1108a-n (e.g., State a, State n) as the application demands.

[0431] For example, the state machine logic 1100, the states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n (e.g., State a, ..., State n) are hierarchically ordered based on the corresponding Enter thresholds 1108d-l, ..., 1108d-n and / or the State Specific Offsets 1108b-l, 1108b-n for each of the states 1108a-l, ..., 1108n-l. For example, the enter thresholds 1108d-l, ..., 1108d-n may have the following relation, ETa<ETb<ETc, ..., <ETn, thus, the states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n (e.g., State a, ..., State n) are hierarchically ordered in an ascending order according to the enter thresholds 1108d-l, ..., 1108d-n. In some examples, each of enter thresholds 1108d-l, ..., 1108d-n may each include the corresponding state specific offsets 1108b-l, 1108b-n, where the state specific offsets 1108b-l, 1108b-n may be chosen to ensure a particular ordering of the states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n. In another example, the state specific offsets 1108b-l, ..., 1108b-n may be selected or adjusted based on the following relation OSta<OStb<OStc, ...,<OStn, which is an ascending order, and the states 1108a-1, ..., 1108n-l (e.g., State a, ..., State n) may be hierarchically ordered based on these in an ascending order. In such an example, even though the state specific offsets 1108b-l, 1108b-n are a selected or adjusted to be in an ascending order, the corresponding enter thresholds 1108d-l, ..., 1108d-n can be based on the corresponding state specific offsets 1108b-l, ..., 1108b-n and in such a manner that the corresponding enter thresholds 1108d-l, ..., 1108d-n, are also ordered in a corresponding ascending order. Thus, it is to be appreciated that the states 1108a-l, ..., 10108a-n may be ordered based on the enter thresholds 1108d-l, ..., 1108d-n and / or state specific offsets 1108b-l, ..., 1108b-n, which may be chosen, selected or adjusted accordingly to ensure a particular or desired ordering of the states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n.

[0432] As can be seen, once the states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n have been ordered, each enter state 1114a of a state 1108a-l is directionally linked towards each of the other enter states 1124a, 1134a, ..., 1144a of the other states 1108a-2, 1108a-3, ..., 1108a-n higher up in the hierarchy, with the last enter state 1144a of the last state 1108a-n in the hierarchy not being linked to any of the other enter states 1114a, ..., 1134a. The initial state 1112 (IC) is directionally linked to all enter states 1114a, 1124a, 1134a, ..., 1144a of the states 1108a-l, 1108a-2, 1108a-3, ..., 1108a-n (e.g., State a, ..., State n). This linking is also described with reference to Figs. 5a to 10b, and the skilled person would understand that such linking is applicable to state machine logic 1100 of Fig. 11.The UE 108a performs measurements in relation to the neighbouring cell 104b and also the serving cell 104a. The UE 108a may monitor the entering conditions 1108c-l, 1108c-n (e.g., ECa, ECn) for each of the corresponding enter states 1114a, 1144a of the states 1108a-l, 1108a-n (e.g., State a, ..., State n), respectively, based on the performed measurements in relation to the neighbouring cell 104b and / or serving cell 104a. When the UE 108a determines that one or more entering conditions 1108c-l, ..., 1108c-n (e.g., ECa, ..., ECn) of the corresponding states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n (e.g., State a, ..., State n) are fulfilled based on the measurements, then the state machine 1100 performs a state transition towards the enter state of the state highest in the hierarchy of states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n for which its corresponding entering condition is fulfilled based on the measurements. When there is a state transition to an enter state of a state, this triggers transmission from the UE 108a of a measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE 108a. For example, the UE 108a sends a measurement report to the network node 102a of the serving cell 104a. Measurement reports are sent only when there is a state transition, and if a state transition implies that a multiple of the states have enter states with entering conditions that have turned true, i.e., fulfilled based on the measurements, then only one measurement report is transmitted instead of having a separate measurement report transmitted each of the multiple state transitions, as would be the case conventionally. In this example, when multiple states have enter states with their corresponding entering conditions being true, then the measurement report includes an indication of the state (e.g., one of State b, ..., State n) that is highest in the hierarchy of the multiple states that has an enter state with the entering condition fulfilled (e.g., true) based on the measurements performed. The measurement report may include an indication of the state associated with the enter state with an entering condition being fulfilled that is highest in the hierarchy. In this manner, the signalling overhead is substantially reduced by skipping at least one (or multiple) of the measurement report transmissions based on the state machine 1100.

[0433] The network 100 or RAN (e.g., network node 102a) may also include a reciprocal state machine to state machine 1100 that enables the network node 102a to infer and / or determine from the received measurement report the multiple of enter states (or a subset of enter states), and hence which procedures associated with the multiple states, that have entering conditions fulfilled based on the measurements by UE 108a. This is because the network node 102a sends the reporting configuration to the UE 108a in respect of at least the neighbour cell 104b and / or serving cell 104a and so has a reciprocal state machine to state machine 1100 that enables the network node 102a to track anddetermine the correct multiple of states with enter states that are fulfilled for each transition performed in the state machine 1100 at the UE 108a, and reported to the network node 102a. Thus, the network node 102a may perform actions corresponding to the multiple states with enter states having entering conditions that are fulfilled based on the measurements at the UE 108a (e.g., action corresponding procedures I events). The UE 108a also performs actions corresponding to the multiple states accordingly (e.g., actions corresponding to procedures I events).

[0434] Referring to the state machine 1100, UE 108a starts in the initial state 1112 with an initial condition (IC) that none of the states 1108a-l to 1108a-n have enter states 1114a, 1124a, 1134a, ..., 1144a that have yet been fulfilled based on measurements. The state transitions are marked by the directional arrows (solid arrows) linking the initial state 1112 to each of the enter states 1114a, 1124a, 1134a, ..., 1144a (e.g., states 1108a-l, ..., 1108n). As described above, the state machine 1100 also has state transitions marked by directional arrows (non-solid arrows) towards each of the enter states 1114a, 1124a, 1134a, ..., 1144a which links each enter state 1114a, 1124a, 1134a, ..., 1144a to the other enter states 1124a, 1134a, ..., 1144a higher up in the hierarchy of enter states 1114a, 1124a, 1134a, ..., 1144a (e.g., states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n). Each state transition corresponds to the transmission of a measurement report. The structure of the state machine 1100, which includes the hierarchical ordering of enter states 1114a, 1124a, 1134a, ..., 1144a, can reduce the reporting overhead when multiple entering conditions 1108c-l, ..., 1108c-n are triggered simultaneously.

[0435] For example, assume the UE 108a receives measurements and during monitoring the entering conditions 1108c-l to 1108c-n of enter states 1114a to 1144a of states 1108a-l to 1108a-n, respectively, determines that the entering condition 1108c-l, 1108c-2 and 1108c-3 of states 1108a-l, 1108a-2, and 1108a-3 are satisfied / fulfilled. That is, the enter thresholds 1108d-l, 1108d-2, and 1108d-3 of entering conditions 1108c-l, 1108c-2, and 1108c-3, respectively, are reached based on the measurements. The initial condition of the initial state 1112 is triggered to transition the state machine 1100 from the initial state 1112 to the highest state in the hierarchy that has an entering condition that is satisfied I fulfilled based on the monitoring. In this case, the highest state in the hierarchy is the third state 1108a-3 with enter state 1134a having entering condition 1108c-3 being fulfilled based on measurements performed. That is, the enter threshold 1108d-3 of entering condition 1108c-3 of enter state 1134a is reached based on the measurements. Given the states 1108a-l, ..., 1108a-n have an ascending ordering, or hierarchical ordering based on the enter thresholds 1108d-l, ..., 1108d-n (e.g., ETa<ETb<ETc<, ...,<ETn) and / orare ordered based on the state specific offsets 1108b-l, 1108b-n, then all states 1108b- 1, 1108b-2, ... that are lower in the hierarchy than the highest state in the hierarchy with an entering condition that is fulfilled also have entering conditions that are fulfilled. Conventionally, this would necessitate triggering the transmission of multiple measurement reports, one for each state having an entering condition that is fulfilled, as described with reference to Figs. 4a top 4c, the UE 108a would transmit three measurement reports in steps 304a-l, 304b-2, and 305 of Fig. 3b. However, in the present state machine 1100, the UE 108a determines, from state machine 1100, whether the state transition resulted in multiple entering conditions being fulfilled at the same time based on the number of states (>1) that are "skipped" due to the transition to the highest state in the hierarchy from the previous state (which in this case was the initial state). Thus, in the above example, the two states 1108a-l and 1108a-2 were "skipped" due to the state transition from the initial state 1112 to the highest state 1108a-3 in the hierarchy in which the entering condition 1108c-3 is fulfilled. Thus, only one message (= new measurement report, optionally an indicator that more than one event / how many events are reported) transmission occurs and the network infers that the UE triggered the entering condition for all the states having entering conditions fulfilled at the same time. Due to the state transition to state 1108a-3, the measurement report includes an indication of the state 1108a-3 (or enter state 1134a) from which the network node 102a infers, from the indication in the measurement report, that all the entering conditions 1108c-l, 1108c- 2, 1108c-3 for states 1108a-l, 1108a-2, and 1108a-3 (i.e., the multiple enter states) were simultaneously satisfied based on the measurements performed by the UE 108a. As a result, the network node 102a triggers the actions related to the states 1108a-l, 1108a-2, and 1108a-3 for which the entering condition applies. This may be performed in one combined pass I execution step. As can be seen, rather than three measurement reports being transmitted, only one measurement report is transmitted to the network node 102a of the RAN. There is a significant reduction in the number of measurement reports that will be transmitted should multiple states have entering conditions fulfilled.

[0436] In this scenario, with reporting on Leave disabled, the technical effect is that the UE 108a switches to the enter state of a state highest in the hierarchy that has an entering condition satisfied based on the measurements, indicates in one measurement report using the indication of the state highest in the hierarchy having the entering condition fulfilled. This means that, when multiple states in the hierarchy have their entering conditions satisfied or fulfilled, then this single indication triggers the network / gNB (e.g., network node 102a) to execute the corresponding actions related to all the states in which the entering conditions are satisfied or fulfilled based on the measurements.Another example of the aforementioned state machine 1100 is described with respect to the 3GPP TS 38.331 using the operations defined in Appendix A, where each of the states 1108a-l to 108a-n with an enter state corresponds to a procedure as also described herein with reference to Figs. 5a to 8b. It is to be appreciated that the states may instead represent a plurality of events, each event defined in a separate reporting configuration, and each event associated with a procedure. It is to be appreciated by the skilled person that the state machine 1100 may be applied to any type of Event as defined in, without limitation, for example 3GPP TS 38.331 in relation to measurements and the like, and / or the equivalent Events or measurement reporting for future standards and the like.

[0437] Fig. 12a illustrates an example method 1200 for a UE apparatus in relation to measurement reporting with leave condition disabled to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The method 1200 further modifies the method and / or processes as described in relation to the state machine 1100 of Fig. 11 as described herein. The UE apparatus may implement or use a state machine architecture 1100 of Fig. 11 and / or any equivalent logic or instructions when performing method 1200. The UE apparatus may include at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE apparatus to perform the method 1200 based on the following steps of:

[0438] In step 1210, the UE apparatus performs measurements for a plurality of n states, where n>l. In some examples, there may be at least two states, a plurality of states. In the above examples with reference to Figs. 5a or 5b and 7a or 7b, there were at least three states described. In an example, the measurements may include measurements of a neighbouring or candidate cell and / or the serving cell.

[0439] The measurements may be performed based on measurement framework including a reporting measurement configuration as described with reference to Figs. 2, 5a, 7a, 9a and / or 10a. Prior to performing the measurements, the method 1200 may further include receiving (e.g., prior to step 1210), from a RAN associated with the UE apparatus, a measurement reporting configuration, where the measurement reporting configuration includes data representative of at least two states or a plurality of states, corresponding entering conditions (also referred to as entering conditions) and corresponding state specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions. The state specific offsets may be configured to indicate different conditions for different states. In an example, the UE receives, from the RAN associated with the UE, data representative of the measurement reporting configuration indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied whenmultiple entering conditions for a cell are fulfilled by measurements. In some examples, the measurement reporting configuration may include an initial condition for a cell, and said initial condition is satisfied when none of the entering conditions has been fulfilled. In other examples, the UE apparatus may define an initial condition for the cell, and said initial condition is satisfied when none of the entering conditions has been fulfilled. The measurements may include measurements of a neighbouring or candidate cell and / or the serving cell.

[0440] For example, the measurement reporting configuration may be based on any of the reporting configurations 206, 506, 706, 906, and / or 1006 as described with reference to Figs. 2, 5a, 7a, 9a, and / or 10a, combinations thereof, modifications thereto and / or as the application demands. The UE apparatus may also perform one or more processes that implement the logic of state machine 1100 of Fig. 11 in respect of the states, corresponding entering conditions, and state specific offsets of the measurement reporting configuration.

[0441] In step 1220, monitoring entering conditions for n states based on the measurements. For example, this may include determining that the entering condition for at least one state of n states that are hierarchically ordered has been fulfilled.

[0442] In step 1230, triggering transmission of a measurement report to a RAN associated with the UE in response to determining at least one entering condition of a state is fulfilled based on the monitoring. For example, the measurement report may be transmitted in response to multiple states being fulfilled. In another example, the measurement report includes an indication of at least one state fulfilling the entering condition, said at least one state to be reported is determined based on the state specific offsets.

[0443] In some examples, the states are ordered in an ascending order based on the corresponding state specific offsets. The ascending order may be considered a hierarchical ordering. For example, the states form a state machine in which the states are ordered in an ascending order or a hierarchical ordering based on the corresponding state specific offsets. In another example, the measurement report includes an indication of the state highest in the hierarchy (or ordering of states) with an entering condition that is fulfilled based on the measurements.

[0444] In an example, one of the plurality of states is associated with one of a plurality of state specific offsets, and the entering conditions for corresponding state include an enterthreshold associated with the corresponding state specific offsets. As an option, the states are arranged in a hierarchical ordering based on the corresponding enter thresholds or corresponding state specific offsets.

[0445] The enter threshold further includes combination of the state specific offset and one or more other values associated with the state or corresponding entering condition of the measurement reporting configuration.

[0446] In some examples, step 1210 may be further modified to include receiving measurements for a cell in relation to the measurement reporting configuration. Step 1220 may be further modified to include monitoring, based on the measurements for the cell and the state specific offsets, one or more of the entering conditions of the states being fulfilled for the cell. In which case, step 1230 may be further modified for triggering transmission of the measurement report including data representative of an indication that at least one state that fulfils the entering condition for the cell to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining at least one entering condition is fulfilled for the cell. In some examples, the measurement report includes data representative of an indication that multiple states fulfil the entering condition for the cell.

[0447] In some examples, the measurement report further including data representative of an indication of, among the states that fulfil the entering condition, the state fulfilling the entering condition for a cell having the highest state specific offset.

[0448] Prior to performing measurements in step 1210, the method 1200 may further include receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, data representative of the measurement reporting configuration indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions for a cell are fulfilled by measurements.

[0449] Prior to performing measurements in step 1210, the UE apparatus may perform reporting, to the RAN associated with the UE, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of states are fulfilled.

[0450] In some examples, the measurement reporting configuration further includes an indication of how many states and corresponding entering conditions are monitored for a neighboring or serving cell. The measurement reporting configuration may further include an indication of how the entering conditions for the states are defined and corresponding values for thestates when applying the entering conditions. In some examples, the values for a state incudes data representative of the state specific offset for the entering condition of a state.

[0451] In some examples, the measurement reporting configuration further including an ordering or sequence indication defining an order or sequence of entering conditions for the states, where the ordering or sequence ensures that a first entering condition for a first state having a lower state specific offset is fulfilled when a second entering condition for a second state is fulfilled having a higher state specific offset.

[0452] The measurement reporting configuration may further include an enter threshold indication for an entering condition of a state defining an enter threshold value based on the state specific offset for that state. In some examples, the enter threshold value is based on at least the state specific offset, where the entering condition for a state is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding enter threshold value is reached. Additionally or alternatively, the enter threshold value further includes a combination of the state specific offset and one or more other values associated with the state or corresponding entering condition of the measurement reporting configuration.

[0453] In some examples, step 1230 may be further modified in that the measurement report further includes data representative of an indication of a measurement report type. The measurement report may further include data representative of an indication that more than one states are being reported.

[0454] In some examples, each state corresponds to a particular procedure of a set of procedures associated with a reporting configuration for an event, the corresponding state specific offset is a procedure specific offset. Alternatively, each state corresponds to an event of the same event type, wherein each event is associated with a particular procedure from a set of procedures, a measurement identity and corresponding reporting configuration, said measurement identity is associated with the particular procedure, and the state specific offset is an event specific offset.

[0455] In an example, the set of procedures may include procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch. The method 1200 may further include receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, a LTM candidate measurement reporting configuration in relation to one or more candidate cells and the serving cell. Step 1210 may further include performing the measurements for the candidate cells and the serving cell, and step 1220may further include monitoring, based on measurements for the candidate cells and serving cell and the state specific offsets, the entering conditions of the states.

[0456] There may be an initial state with an initial condition for a cell, said initial condition is satisfied when none of the entering conditions has been fulfilled, and remaining in the initial state until said initial condition is satisfied. Alternatively, there may be an initial state with an initial condition for a cell, said initial condition is satisfied when at least one of the entering conditions has been fulfilled, and remaining in the initial state whilst said initial condition is unsatisfied.

[0457] In some examples, the measurement report further includes an indication of the state for triggering a network apparatus to perform actions associated with the corresponding states for which the entering condition is fulfilled. In other examples, the measurement report further comprises an indication of the states for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled.

[0458] Step 1220 may be further modified in which the monitoring is further configured to transition a state machine (e.g., state machine 1100) to a state based on the measurements and entering conditions. The state machine includes at least the plurality of states and an initial state, each state of the plurality of states including an entering condition associated with an enter threshold, said states are hierarchically ordered based on the state specific offsets, and linked to each of the other states higher in the hierarchy, and transitioning the state machine to the state highest in the hierarchy in which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled based on the measurements; and

[0459] said means for triggering transmission of the measurement report further configured to transmit a measurement report based on the transitioned state.

[0460] The method 1200 may be further modified and / or configured to perform the logic or processes associated with the state machines 510, 710, 1100, 1300 for implementing the single measurement reporting when multiple events and / or entering conditions are fulfilled based on the measurements and event specific offsets.

[0461] With reference to the method 1200 of Fig. 12a, there may be provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 1200 as described with reference to Fig. 12a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with referenceto any of Figs. 5a to 11, and 12b to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0462] With reference to the method 1200 of Fig. 12a, there may be provided a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 1200 as described with reference to Fig. 12a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 11, and 12b to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0463] With reference to the method 1200 of Fig. 12a, there may be provided an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method 1200 as described with reference to Fig.

[0464] 12a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 11, and 12b to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands. In some examples, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0465] With reference to the method 1200 of Fig. 12a, there may be provided a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with the at least one data storage for carrying out the method 1200 as described with reference to Fig. 12a, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 11, and 12b to 14b modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0466] Fig. 12b illustrates an example method 1250 for a network apparatus in relation to measurement reporting with leave condition enabled to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The method 1250 further modifies the method and / or processes as described with respect to the network node 102a in relation to the state machine 1100 of Fig. 11 as described below. The network apparatus may implement or use a reciprocal state machine architecture of the state machine architecture 1100 of Fig. 11 and / or any equivalent logic or instructions when performing method 1250. The network apparatus may include at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network apparatus to perform the method 1250 based on the following steps of:In step 1260, receiving, from a UE apparatus, a measurement report including an indication of a state associated with measurements performed by the UE. The state corresponds to a state from a plurality of states with corresponding entering conditions and state specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions, as described with reference to the method 1200 of Fig. 12a and / or as herein described with reference to Figs. 5a to 11b.

[0467] In step 1270, inferring from the indication of the state a subset of states that fulfil the entering condition.

[0468] In step 1280, triggering performance of one or more enter actions associated with the subset of states.

[0469] In some examples, the entering condition for a state includes an enter threshold based on the corresponding state specific offset. The plurality of states may be hierarchically ordered based on the corresponding enter thresholds or corresponding state specific offsets.

[0470] In some examples, each state corresponds to a particular procedure of a set of procedures associated with a measurement reporting configuration for an event, the corresponding state specific offset is a procedure specific offset. Alternatively, each state corresponds to an event of the same event type, where each event is associated with a particular procedure from a set of procedures, a measurement identity and corresponding reporting configuration, said measurement identity is associated with the particular procedure, and the state specific offset is an even specific offset. For example, the procedures are associated with the Event A3 and comprises procedures from the group of: early downlink synchronization; early uplink synchronization; cell switch command; and conditional LTM cell switch. In addition, the network apparatus may transmit, to the UE, a LTM candidate measurement reporting configuration, wherein each candidate cell is associated with the set of procedures.

[0471] In some examples, prior to step 1260, the method 1250 may further include transmitting, to the UE, a measurement reporting configuration including data indicating the states, corresponding entering conditions, and enter thresholds and / or state specific offsets.

[0472] In some examples, the measurement report further includes an indication of the state highest in a hierarchy of states fulfilling the entering condition for triggering the networkapparatus to perform entering actions associated with the subset of states for which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement report further include an indication of the subset of states for which the entering condition is fulfilled.

[0473] In some examples, the subset of states further including those states in which the entering condition is fulfilled excluding a state for which the entering condition was previously fulfilled prior to receiving the measurement report.

[0474] In an example, the indication of the state in the measurement report corresponds to a state of a state machine. The state machine including a plurality of states, each state comprising at least an entering condition associated with an enter threshold and state specific offset. The states are hierarchically ordered based on the enter threshold or state specific offset and each state is linked to each of the other states higher up in the hierarchy. Step 1270 of method 1250 may be further modified such that the inferring is further configured to infer from the indication of the state, a subset of states for which the entering condition is fulfilled based on the hierarchically ordered states in the state machine. Step 1280 may be further configured to trigger the network apparatus to perform enter actions associated with the subset of states.

[0475] With reference to the method 1250 of Fig. 12b, there may be provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 1250 as described with reference to Fig. 12b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 12a, and 13 to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0476] With reference to the method 1250 of Fig. 12b, there may be provided a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out the method 1250 as described with reference to Fig. 12b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 12a, and 13 to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0477] With reference to the method 1250 of Fig. 12b, there may be provided an apparatus, comprising means for performing the method 1250 as described with reference to Fig.

[0478] 12b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as describedwith reference to any of Figs. 5a to 12a, and 13 to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands. In some examples, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0479] With reference to the method 1250 of Fig. 12b, there may be provided a computer system, comprising: one or more processors; at least one data storage, and one or more computer program instructions to be executed by the one or more processors in association with the at least one data storage for carrying out the method 1250 as described with reference to Fig. 12b, and / or the steps, features, methods, processes, state machine logic as described with reference to any of Figs. 5a to 12a, and 13 to 14b, modifications thereto, combinations thereof and / or as herein described, or as the application demands.

[0480] Fig. 13 illustrat...

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A user equipment (UE) apparatus, comprising:means for receiving a measurement reporting configuration, said measurement reporting configuration comprising data representative of a plurality of states, corresponding entering conditions for the states and corresponding state specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions;means for monitoring, based on measurements and the state specific offsets, the entering conditions of the plurality of states; andmeans for triggering transmission of a measurement report to a radio access network, RAN, associated with the UE in response to determining at least one entering condition of at least one state is fulfilled based on the monitoring.

2. The UE apparatus of claim 1, wherein the measurement report includes an indication of at least one state fulfilling the entering condition in response to determining multiple entering conditions are fulfilled, said at least one state to be reported is determined based on the state specific offsets.

3. The UE apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein the states are ordered in an ascending order based on the corresponding state specific offsets.

4. The UE apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein one of the plurality of states is associated with one of a plurality of state specific offsets, and the enter condition for a corresponding state include an enter threshold associated with the corresponding state specific offset, as an option, wherein the states are arranged in a hierarchical ordering based on the corresponding enter thresholds or corresponding state specific offsets.

5. The UE apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising:means for receiving measurements for a cell in relation to the measurement reporting configuration;means for monitoring, based on the measurements for the cell and the state specific offsets, one or more of the entering conditions of the states being fulfilled for the cell; andmeans for triggering transmission of the measurement report comprising data representative of an indication that at least one state that fulfils the entering condition for the cell to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining at least one entering condition is fulfilled for the cell.

6. The UE apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein, in response to determining multiple enter conditions are fulfilled for the cell, the measurement report further comprising data representative of an indication of, among the states that fulfil the corresponding entering condition, the state fulfilling the entering condition for a cell having the highest state specific offset.

7. The UE apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising:means for receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, data representative of the measurement reporting configuration indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions for a cell are fulfilled by measurements; andmeans for reporting, to the RAN associated with the UE, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of states are fulfilled.

8. The UE apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the measurement reporting configuration further comprises an indication how the entering conditions for the states are defined and corresponding values for the states when applying the entering conditions, wherein the values for a state comprises data representative of the state specific offset for the entering condition of a state.

9. The UE apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the measurement reporting configuration further comprising an enter threshold indication for an entering condition of a state defining an enter threshold value based on the state specific offset for that state,154and, as an option, wherein the enter threshold value is based on at least the state specific offset, wherein the entering condition for a state is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding enter threshold value is reached.

10. The UE apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein each state corresponds to a particular procedure of a set of procedures associated with a reporting configuration for an event, the corresponding state specific offset is a procedure specific offset; or wherein each state corresponds to an event of the same event type, wherein each event is associated with a particular procedure from a set of procedures, a measurement identity and corresponding reporting configuration, said measurement identity is associated with the particular procedure, and the state specific offset is an event specific offset.

11. The UE apparatus of claim 10, wherein the set of procedures includes procedures from the group of:early downlink synchronization;early uplink synchronization;cell switch command; andconditional LTM cell switch.

12. The UE apparatus of any preceding claim further comprising:said means for monitoring further configured to transition a state machine to a state based on the measurements and enter conditions, the state machine comprising the plurality of states, each state comprising an enter condition associated with an enter threshold, said states are hierarchically ordered based on the state specific offsets, and linked to each of the other states higher in the hierarchy, and transitioning the state machine to the state highest in the hierarchy in which the corresponding enter condition is fulfilled based on the measurements; andsaid means for triggering transmission of the measurement report further configured to transmit a measurement report based on the transitioned state.15513. A method for a user equipment apparatus comprising:receiving a measurement reporting configuration, said measurement reporting configuration comprising data representative of a plurality of states, corresponding entering conditions for the states and corresponding state specific offsets for the corresponding entering conditions;monitoring, based on measurements and the state specific offsets, the entering conditions of the plurality of states; andtriggering transmission of a measurement report to a radio access network, RAN, associated with the UE in response to determining at least one entering condition of a state is fulfilled based on the monitoring.

14. A user equipment (UE) apparatus, comprising:means for receiving a measurement reporting configuration, said measurement reporting configuration comprising data representative of a plurality of states, corresponding entering conditions for the states, corresponding leave conditions for the states, and corresponding state specific offsets for the corresponding entering and leave conditions;means for monitoring, based on measurements and the state specific offsets, either:one or more of the entering conditions of the states; and / or one or more leave conditions of the states; andmeans for triggering transmission of a measurement report to a radio access network, RAN, associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions for corresponding states are fulfilled based on the monitoring; and means for triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple leave conditions for corresponding states are fulfilled based on the monitoring, the measurement report comprising an indication of the state in which the leave condition is fulfilled.

15. The UE apparatus of claim 1, wherein the measurement report includes an indication of at least one state fulfilling the entering condition or leave condition in response to determining multiple entering conditions or multiple leave conditions arefulfilled, said at least one state to be reported is determined based on the state specific offsets.

16. The UE apparatus of claims 14 or 15, wherein the states are ordered in an ascending order based on the corresponding state specific offsets.

17. The UE apparatus of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein one of the plurality of states is associated with one of a plurality of state specific offsets, the enter conditions for corresponding states includes an enter threshold associated with the corresponding state specific offsets, and the leave conditions for corresponding states include a leave threshold associated with the corresponding state specific offset, as an option, wherein the states are arranged in a hierarchical ordering based on the corresponding entering condition comprising thresholds or corresponding state specific offsets.

18. The UE apparatus of any of claims 14 to 17 further comprising:means for receiving measurements for a cell in relation to the measurement reporting configuration;means for monitoring, based on the measurements for the cell and the state specific offsets, either:one or more of the entering conditions of the states being fulfilled for the cell; and / orone or more leave conditions of the states being fulfilled for the cell; and means for triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions are fulfilled for the cell, the measurement report comprising data representative of an indication, among the states that fulfil the corresponding enter condition, the state fulfilling the enter condition for the cell having the highest state specific offset; and means for triggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple leave conditions are fulfilled for the cell, the measurement report comprising data representative of an indication, among the states that fulfil the corresponding leave condition, the state that has the lowest state specific offset that fulfils the leave condition.

19. The UE apparatus of any of claims 14 to 18, further comprising:means for receiving, from the RAN associated with the UE, data representative of the measurement reporting configuration indicating single measurement reporting is to be applied when multiple entering conditions or multiple leave conditions for a cell are fulfilled by measurements; and means for reporting, to the RAN associated with the UE, capability information associated with supporting single measurement reporting when multiple entering conditions of states or multiple leave conditions of are fulfilled.

20. The UE apparatus of any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the measurement reporting configuration further comprises an indication how the entering and leave conditions for the states are defined and corresponding values for the states when applying the entering conditions and leave conditions, wherein the values for a state comprises data representative of the state specific offset for the entering condition of a state and the leave condition of the state.

21. The UE apparatus of claim 20, wherein the measurement reporting configuration further comprising an ordering or sequence indication defining an order or sequence of entering conditions for the states, wherein the ordering or sequence ensures that a first entering condition for a first state having a lower state specific offset is fulfilled when a second entering condition for a second state is fulfilled having a higher state specific offset.

22. The UE apparatus of claim 21, wherein the enter threshold value is based on at least the state specific offset, wherein the entering condition for a state is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding enter threshold value is reached; andwherein the leave threshold value is based on at least the state specific offset, wherein the leave condition for the state is configured to be fulfilled when the corresponding leave threshold value is reached; and, as an optionwherein the enter threshold value further comprises a combination of the state specific offset and one or more other values associated with the state or corresponding entering condition of the measurement reporting configuration; and158wherein the leave threshold value further comprises a combination of the state specific offset and one or more other values associated with the state or corresponding leave condition of the measurement reporting configuration.

23. The UE apparatus of claims 14 to 22, wherein each state corresponds to a particular procedure of a set of procedures associated with a reporting configuration for an event, the corresponding state specific offset is a procedure specific offset; or wherein each state corresponds to an event of the same event type, wherein each event is associated with a particular procedure from a set of procedures, a measurement identity and corresponding reporting configuration, said measurement identity is associated with the particular procedure, and the state specific offset is an event specific offset.

24. The UE apparatus of claims 23, wherein the set of procedures includes procedures from the group of:early downlink synchronization;early uplink synchronization;cell switch command; andconditional LTM cell switch.

25. The UE apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 24 further comprising:said means for monitoring further configured to transition a state machine to a state based on the measurements, enter conditions and leave conditions, the state machine comprising the plurality of states, each state comprising an enter condition associated with an enter threshold and a leave condition associated with a leave threshold, said states are hierarchically ordered based on the state specific offsets, and wherein the states each include an enter state associated with the corresponding enter condition and a leave state associated with the corresponding leave condition, said enter states are directionally linked to each of the other enter states higher in the hierarchy of states, and said leave states are directionally linked to each of the other leave states lower in the hierarchy of states, and transitioning the state machine based on:159transitioning, when multiple entering conditions are fulfilled, the state machine to the state highest in the hierarchy of states in which the corresponding entering condition is fulfilled based on the measurements; ortransitioning, when multiple leave conditions are fulfilled, the state machine to the state highest in the hierarchy of states in which the corresponding leave condition is not fulfilled based on the measurements; andsaid means for triggering transmission of the measurement report further configured to transmit a measurement report based on the transitioned state.

26. A method for a user equipment apparatus comprising:receiving a measurement reporting configuration, said measurement reporting configuration comprising data representative of a plurality of states, corresponding entering conditions for the states, corresponding leave conditions for the states, and corresponding state specific offsets for the corresponding entering and leave conditions;monitoring, based on measurements and the state specific offsets, either:one or more of the entering conditions of the states; and / or one or more leave conditions of the states; andtriggering transmission of a measurement report to a radio access network, RAN, associated with the UE in response to determining multiple entering conditions for corresponding states are fulfilled based on the monitoring; andtriggering transmission of the measurement report to the RAN associated with the UE in response to determining multiple leave conditions for corresponding states are fulfilled based on the monitoring, the measurement report comprising an indication of the state in which the leave condition is fulfilled.

27. The apparatus or method of any preceding claim, wherein the measurements comprises one or more from the group of:Reference Signal Received Power, RSRP, measurements;Reference Signal Received Quality, RSRQ, measurements;Signal-to-Interference + Noise Ratio, SINR, measurements;160Beam RSRP measurements;Beam SINR measurements;Timing Advance measurements;Reference Signal measurements of a cell;and / orany other suitable type of measurements or radio link measurements.

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