METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RRM MEASUREMENT RELAXATION FOR STATIONARY-MOBILITY DEVICES

A method for relaxing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement is provided. The method comprises obtaining an indication for use in determining a stationary-mobility state of a user equipment (UE). The indication comprises one or more first criteria, which is based on a difference between a current signal level value and a reference signal value as compared to an adjusted threshold. The method further comprises determining whether a mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state based on the indication. The UE in the stationary-mobility state has a lower mobility than the UE in a low-mobility state. In accordance with a determination that the mobility state of the UE corresponds to a stationary-mobility state, the method further comprises adjusting one or more measurements according to measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state. The adjustments reducing the amount of energy consumed when performing RRM measurement.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems and, more specifically, to radio resource management relaxation for stationary-mobility devices.

BACKGROUND

New radio (NR) was introduced in the 3rdgeneration partnership project (3GPP) specifications to provide enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and critical machine type communication (CMTC) services. An example of a CMTC service is ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC). These services are mainly targeted for high data rate, high reliability, or low latency scenarios. Therefore, these services may require high user equipment (UE) performance and may lead to high design cost and complexity of the UE and network equipment. Furthermore, the dimensions of the UE may also be required to be small, which makes it more difficult for devices providing eMBB and CMTC services to have long battery life.

To allow NR to be used by UEs with a longer battery life, the 3GPP release 17 introduced a reduced capability (RedCap) UE. A RedCap UE can be used for machine type communications (MTC) and/or mobile broadband (MBB) services with low performance requirements but longer battery lifetime expectancy (e.g., a few days). Such RedCap UEs may include wireless sensors, video surveillance cameras, wearable devices, or the like. A RedCap UE may spend a large amount of time (e.g., more than 90%) in an idle or inactive state (e.g., RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states). In an RRC_IDLE state, a UE is switched on but does not have any established radio resource control (RRC) connection. In an RRC_INACTIVE state, a UE and a network node (e.g., gNB node) save radio and security configurations, which can be used quickly to restore connection between the UE and the network node. The RRC_INACTIVE state is particular useful for machine type communications (MTC) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, where small amounts of data are communicated.

Radio resource management (RRM) is one of the main factors that affect a significant portion of energy consumption in a UE. RRM measurements are performed by a UE while the UE is in an idle or inactive state. The RRM measurements are performed according to current measurement criteria and rules for cell selection or re-selection. These current measurement criteria and rules are defined in 3GPP TS 38.304 specification. The 3GPP TS 38.304 specification defines the UE mobility states as including a normal-mobility state, a medium-mobility state, and a high-mobility state. The current measurement criteria and rules further include relaxed measurement criteria and rules for UEs having a low mobility.

The current measurement criteria and rules, however, may not be suitable or sufficient for a UE that is mostly stationary. Such a UE may remain in the same physical location for a very long period of time (e.g., a few hours or days) or may not move at all. For example, a surveillance camera typically remains in a fixed physical location after installation. So does a wireless sensor installed in an infrastructures or facilities (e.g., a roadside sensor, a parking lot sensor, a sensor mounted with a traffic light). For these types of UEs, current relaxed measurements may still impose requirements that are unnecessary, which may result in a waste of energy and/or inefficient using of network resources (e.g., occupying radio resources, increased network traffic, or the like). Furthermore, RedCap UEs may have fewer antennas and other reduced capabilities than an eMBB UE. By using the current measurement criteria and rules intended for eMBB UEs or other devices having greater capabilities, it may become problematic for RedCap UEs to meet the current measurement criteria and rules. Therefore, there is a need for additional RRM measurement criteria and rules.

SUMMARY

Various computer-implemented systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for relaxing radio resource management (RRM) measurements are described herein.

In one embodiment, a method performed by a user equipment (UE) for relaxing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement is provided. The method comprises obtaining an indication for use in determining a stationary-mobility state of the UE. The indication comprises one or more first criteria, which is based on a difference between a current signal level value and a reference signal value as compared to an adjusted threshold. The method further comprises determining whether a mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state based on the indication. The UE in the stationary-mobility state has a lower mobility than the UE in a low-mobility state. In accordance with a determination that the mobility state of the UE corresponds to a stationary-mobility state, the method further comprises adjusting one or more measurements according to measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state. The adjustments reduce the amount of energy consumed when performing RRM measurement. The method further comprises performing at least one RRM measurement based on the adjustments.

In one embodiment, a method performed by a network node for relaxing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements is provided. The method comprises providing a user equipment (UE) with an indication for use in determining a stationary-mobility state of the UE, the indication comprising one or more first criteria. The first criteria is based on a difference between a current signal level value and a reference signal value as compared to an adjusted threshold. The UE in a stationary-mobility state has a lower mobility than the UE in a low-mobility state. The method further comprises receiving a measurement report based on adjusted measurements according to one or more measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state.

In one embodiment, a method performed by a wireless communication system is provided. The system comprises a network node and a user equipment (UE). The user equipment is served by a serving cell of the network node. The method comprises providing, from the network node to the UE, an indication for use in determining a stationary-mobility state of the UE. The indication comprises one or more first criteria, wherein the first criteria is based on a difference between a current signal level value and a reference signal value as compared to an adjusted threshold. The method further comprises determining, by the UE based on the indication, whether a mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state. The UE in the stationary-mobility state has a lower mobility than the UE in a low-mobility state. In accordance with a determination that the mobility state of the UE corresponds to a stationary-mobility state, the method further comprises adjusting one or more measurements by the UE according to measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state. The adjustments reduce the amount of energy consumed when performing RRM measurement. The method further comprises performing at least one RRM measurement by the UE based on the adjustments and receiving, by the network node, a measurement report based on adjusted measurements according to one or more measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state.

Embodiments of a UE, a network node, and a wireless communication system are also provided according to the above method embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, the following description sets forth numerous specific details, such as specific configurations, parameters, examples, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present invention but is intended to provide a better description of the exemplary embodiments.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise:

The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

As used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. Within the context of a networked environment where two or more components or devices are able to exchange data, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are also used to mean “communicatively coupled with”, possibly via one or more intermediary devices.

In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references, and the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on”.

Although some of the various embodiments presented herein constitute a single combination of inventive elements, it should be appreciated that the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. As such, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and another embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly discussed herein. Further, the transitional term “comprising” means to have as parts or members, or to be those parts or members. As used herein, the transitional term “comprising” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

In various embodiments, the devices, instruments, systems, and methods described herein may be used to relax RRM measurements performed by a UE. As described above, the current measurement criteria and rules may not be suitable or sufficient for a UE that is mostly stationary. For these types of UEs, current relaxed measurements may still impose requirements that are unnecessary, which may result in a waste of energy and/or inefficient using of network resources (e.g., occupying radio resources, increased network traffic, or the like). Certain aspects of the disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to these or other challenges. Various embodiments of the present invention add additional factors, parameters, criteria, and/or rules for further relaxing RRM measurements for a UE in a stationary-mobility state. A UE in a stationary-mobility state has a lower mobility than the UE in a low-mobility state. For example, the UE in stationary-mobility state can stay at the same physical location for hours or days.

Based on various embodiments of the present invention, a UE can determine whether it is in a stationary-mobility state and if so, adjust RRM measurements accordingly. The embodiments in the present invention may provide one or more of the following technical advantage(s). Energy consumption can be reduced because less RRM measurements are performed in a unit time period. For example, a battery-operated UE can operate longer before it needs to be recharged. Further, network resources can be more efficiently allocated and used. For example, when a UE performs less RRM measurement and thus requires less radio resources, the network node can allocate radio resources to other UEs. Further, network traffic can be reduced such that more bandwidth can be freed for other uses.

It should also be appreciated that the following specification is not intended as an extensive overview, and as such, concepts may be simplified in the interests of clarity and brevity.

InFIG.1, network node160includes processing circuitry170, device readable medium180, interface190, auxiliary equipment184, power source186, power circuitry187, and antenna162. Although network node160illustrated in the example wireless network ofFIG.1may represent a device that includes the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise network nodes with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that a network node comprises any suitable combination of hardware and/or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Moreover, while the components of network node160are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, a network node may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component (e.g., device readable medium180may comprise multiple separate hard drives as well as multiple RAM modules).

Processing circuitry170may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node160components, such as device readable medium180, network node160functionality. For example, processing circuitry170may execute instructions stored in device readable medium180or in memory within processing circuitry170. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features, functions, or benefits discussed herein. In some embodiments, processing circuitry170may include a system on a chip (SOC).

Interface190is used in the wired or wireless communication of signaling and/or data between network node160, network106, and/or WDs110. As illustrated, interface190comprises port(s)/terminal(s)194to send and receive data, for example to and from network106over a wired connection. Interface190also includes radio front end circuitry192that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, antenna162. Radio front end circuitry192comprises filters198and amplifiers196. Radio front end circuitry192may be connected to antenna162and processing circuitry170. Radio front end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna162and processing circuitry170. Radio front end circuitry192may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or WDs via a wireless connection. Radio front end circuitry192may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters198and/or amplifiers196. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna162. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna162may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by radio front end circuitry192. The digital data may be passed to processing circuitry170. In other embodiments, the interface may comprise different components and/or different combinations of components.

Power circuitry187may comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry and is configured to supply the components of network node160with power for performing the functionality described herein. Power circuitry187may receive power from power source186. Power source186and/or power circuitry187may be configured to provide power to the various components of network node160in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). Power source186may either be included in, or external to, power circuitry187and/or network node160. For example, network node160may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry187. As a further example, power source186may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry187. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail. Other types of power sources, such as photovoltaic devices, may also be used.

Antenna111may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays, configured to send and/or receive wireless signals, and is connected to interface114. In certain alternative embodiments, antenna111may be separate from WD110and be connectable to WD110through an interface or port. Antenna111, interface114, and/or processing circuitry120may be configured to perform any receiving or transmitting operations described herein as being performed by a WD. Any information, data and/or signals may be received from a network node and/or another WD. In some embodiments, radio front end circuitry and/or antenna111may be considered an interface.

As illustrated, interface114comprises radio front end circuitry112and antenna111. Radio front end circuitry112comprise one or more filters118and amplifiers116. Radio front end circuitry114is connected to antenna111and processing circuitry120, and is configured to condition signals communicated between antenna111and processing circuitry120. Radio front end circuitry112may be coupled to or a part of antenna111. In some embodiments, WD110may not include separate radio front end circuitry112; rather, processing circuitry120may comprise radio front end circuitry and may be connected to antenna111. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of RF transceiver circuitry122may be considered a part of interface114. Radio front end circuitry112may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or WDs via a wireless connection. Radio front end circuitry112may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters118and/or amplifiers116. The radio signal may then be transmitted via antenna111. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna111may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by radio front end circuitry112. The digital data may be passed to processing circuitry120. In other embodiments, the interface may comprise different components and/or different combinations of components.

As illustrated, processing circuitry120includes one or more of RF transceiver circuitry122, baseband processing circuitry124, and application processing circuitry126. In other embodiments, the processing circuitry may comprise different components and/or different combinations of components. In certain embodiments processing circuitry120of WD110may comprise a SOC. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuitry122, baseband processing circuitry124, and application processing circuitry126may be on separate chips or sets of chips. In alternative embodiments, part or all of baseband processing circuitry124and application processing circuitry126may be combined into one chip or set of chips, and RF transceiver circuitry122may be on a separate chip or set of chips. In still alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry122and baseband processing circuitry124may be on the same chip or set of chips, and application processing circuitry126may be on a separate chip or set of chips. In yet other alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry122, baseband processing circuitry124, and application processing circuitry126may be combined in the same chip or set of chips. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuitry122may be a part of interface114. RF transceiver circuitry122may condition RF signals for processing circuitry120.

Processing circuitry120may be configured to perform any determining, calculating, or similar operations (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being performed by a WD. These operations, as performed by processing circuitry120, may include processing information obtained by processing circuitry120by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored by WD110, and/or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination.

User interface equipment132may provide components that allow for a human user to interact with WD110. Such interaction may be of many forms, such as visual, audial, tactile, etc. User interface equipment132may be operable to produce output to the user and to allow the user to provide input to WD110. The type of interaction may vary depending on the type of user interface equipment132installed in WD110. For example, if WD110is a smart phone, the interaction may be via a touch screen; if WD110is a smart meter, the interaction may be through a screen that provides usage (e.g., the number of gallons used) or a speaker that provides an audible alert (e.g., if smoke is detected). User interface equipment132may include input interfaces, devices and circuits, and output interfaces, devices and circuits. User interface equipment132is configured to allow input of information into WD110, and is connected to processing circuitry120to allow processing circuitry120to process the input information. User interface equipment132may include, for example, a microphone, a proximity or other sensor, keys/buttons, a touch display, one or more cameras, a USB port, or other input circuitry. User interface equipment132is also configured to allow output of information from WD110, and to allow processing circuitry120to output information from WD110. User interface equipment132may include, for example, a speaker, a display, vibrating circuitry, a USB port, a headphone interface, or other output circuitry. Using one or more input and output interfaces, devices, and circuits, of user interface equipment132, WD110may communicate with end users and/or the wireless network, and allow them to benefit from the functionality described herein.

Auxiliary equipment134is operable to provide more specific functionality which may not be generally performed by WDs. This may comprise specialized sensors for doing measurements for various purposes, interfaces for additional types of communication such as wired communications etc. The inclusion and type of components of auxiliary equipment134may vary depending on the embodiment and/or scenario.

Power source136may, in some embodiments, be in the form of a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic devices or power cells, may also be used. WD110may further comprise power circuitry137for delivering power from power source136to the various parts of WD110which need power from power source136to carry out any functionality described or indicated herein. Power circuitry137may in certain embodiments comprise power management circuitry. Power circuitry137may additionally or alternatively be operable to receive power from an external power source; in which case WD110may be connectable to the external power source (such as an electricity outlet) via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Power circuitry137may also in certain embodiments be operable to deliver power from an external power source to power source136. This may be, for example, for the charging of power source136. Power circuitry137may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from power source136to make the power suitable for the respective components of WD110to which power is supplied.

RAM217may be configured to interface via bus202to processing circuitry201to provide storage or caching of data or computer instructions during the execution of software programs such as the operating system, application programs, and device drivers. ROM219may be configured to provide computer instructions or data to processing circuitry201. For example, ROM219may be configured to store invariant low-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basic input and output (I/O), startup, or reception of keystrokes from a keyboard that are stored in a non-volatile memory. Storage medium221may be configured to include memory such as RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, floppy disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, or flash drives. In one example, storage medium221may be configured to include operating system223, application program225such as a web browser application, a widget or gadget engine or another application, and data file227. Storage medium221may store, for use by UE200, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

InFIG.2, processing circuitry201may be configured to communicate with network243busing communication subsystem231. Network243aand network243bmay be the same network or networks or different network or networks. Communication subsystem231may be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with network243b. For example, communication subsystem231may be configured to include one or more transceivers used to communicate with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication such as another WD, UE, or base station of a radio access network (RAN) according to one or more communication protocols, such as IEEE 802.11, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, UTRAN, WiMax, or the like. Each transceiver may include transmitter233and/or receiver235to implement transmitter or receiver functionality, respectively, appropriate to the RAN links (e.g., frequency allocations and the like). Further, transmitter233and receiver235of each transceiver may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively may be implemented separately.

In some embodiments, some signaling can be effected with the use of control system3230which may alternatively be used for communication between the hardware nodes330and radio units3200.

With reference toFIG.4, in accordance with an embodiment, a communication system includes telecommunication network410, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which comprises access network411, such as a radio access network, and core network414. Access network411comprises a plurality of base stations412a,412b,412c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area413a,413b,413c. Each base station412a,412b,412cis connectable to core network414over a wired or wireless connection415. A first UE491located in coverage area413cis configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding base station412c. A second UE492in coverage area413ais wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station412a. While a plurality of UEs491,492are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding base station412.

Communication system500further includes base station520provided in a telecommunication system and comprising hardware525enabling it to communicate with host computer510and with UE530. Hardware525may include communication interface526for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of communication system500, as well as radio interface527for setting up and maintaining at least wireless connection570with UE530located in a coverage area (not shown inFIG.5) served by base station520. Communication interface526may be configured to facilitate connection560to host computer510. Connection560may be direct or it may pass through a core network (not shown inFIG.5) of the telecommunication system and/or through one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunication system. In the embodiment shown, hardware525of base station520further includes processing circuitry528, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Base station520further has software521stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

It is noted that host computer510, base station520and UE530illustrated inFIG.5may be similar or identical to host computer430, one of base stations412a,412b,412cand one of UEs491,492ofFIG.4, respectively. This is to say, the inner workings of these entities may be as shown inFIG.5and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that ofFIG.4.

Wireless connection570between UE530and base station520is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to UE530using OTT connection550, in which wireless connection570forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments may improve the battery life of stationary UEs and thereby provide benefits such as smaller or cheaper devices allowing OTT services to be deployed in more environments and to reduce maintenance costs (e.g., fewer service calls to replace/recharge batteries).

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE which may be those described with reference toFIGS.4and5. In step710of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional substep (not shown) the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step720, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the UE. The transmission may pass via the base station, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step730(which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

FIG.10depicts a wireless network comprising different devices connected, either directly or indirectly, to the wireless network through one or more access network nodes, such as gNBs1060aand1060b. In particular, the wireless network includes access network nodes such as gNBs1060aand1060b, UE1010a, hub1010b, remote devices1015aand1015band server1009. UE1010aand hub1010bmay be any of a wide variety of devices capable of communicating wirelessly with gNBs1060's. Although hub1010bis referred to as a hub, it may also be considered a UE (with hub functionality) because it is able to communicate wirelessly with gNB1060busing a standard protocol, for example a wireless standard such as one provided by 3GPP. In fact, each of the devices illustrated inFIG.10represent a wide variety of different devices that can be used in different scenarios as discussed in more detail below. Any of these devices which are able to communicate wirelessly with a gNB, eNB or any other similar 3GPP access node may be considered a wireless device or UE.

Looking now at some of the possibilities, UE1010amay be any of a variety of different devices that are able to wirelessly communicate with gNB1060a. Some examples, which are listed inFIG.10, include a virtual reality (VR) headset, a sensor, an actuator, a monitoring device, a vehicle, or a remote controller. These examples are not exhaustive and include therein a wide variety of more specific devices, including a wide range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. For example, in embodiments where UE1010ais a VR headset, UE1010amay be a cell phone that is used with a head mount or it may be a standalone or dedicated VR headset. In some embodiments UE1010amay be an augmented reality (AR) headset. As an AR or VR headset UE1010amay be used for entertainment (e.g., gaming, videos, etc.), education/business (e.g., remote conferences, virtual lectures, etc.), medical (e.g., remote diagnostic, patient consultation, etc.), or any other use in which virtual or augmented content may be provided to a remote user. In any of these cases UE1010amay be receiving content via wireless connection1070awith gNB1060a.

As another example, in embodiments where UE1010ais a sensor or monitoring device, UE1010amay be a motion, gravitational, moisture, temperature, biometric, speed, door/window open, smoke, fire, volume, flow, or any other type of device that is able to detect or measure one or more conditions. As a sensor UE1010amay also be able to capture conditions. For example, UE1010amay capture images if it comprises a camera or sound if it comprises a microphone. Regardless of the type of sensor, UE1010amay provide an output via wireless connection1070ato gNB1060a. The output may be periodic (e.g., once every 15 minutes if it reports the sensed temperature), random (e.g., to even out the load from reporting from several sensors), in response to a triggering event (e.g., when moisture is detected an alert is sent), in response to a request (e.g., a user initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

As another example, in embodiments where UE1010ais an actuator, UE1010amay be a motor, switch, or any other device that may change states in response to receiving an input via wireless connection1070a. For example, UE1000amay be a vibrator that creates vibration to provide a user with haptic feedback. As another example UE1000amay be a small motor that adjusts the control surfaces of a drone in flight or to a robotic arm performing a medical procedure. As another example, UE1000amay be a switch that remotely turns on another device, such as a light.

As another example, in embodiments where UE1010ais a vehicle, UE1010amay be a drone, car, plane, ship, train, tractor, robot, or any other type of device comprising one or more sensors and/or actuators that may change its locations whether autonomously or at the direction of a user. In such embodiments where UE1010ais a remotely controlled vehicle, such as a drone, it may receive instructions on movement, actuating, or sensing from a user via wireless connection1070aand provide location, sensor or video information back to the user via wireless connection1070a. In such embodiments where UE1010ais an autonomous vehicle it may receive alerts and other messages from other vehicles and/or infrastructure sensors via wireless connection1070aas well provide its own telemetry data to others via wireless connection1070a.

As another example, in embodiments where UE1010ais a remote control, UE1010amay be a device dedicated to controlling other devices or a general-purpose computer with a program or application that provides control of other devices. UE1010amay send commands to a remote device via wireless connection1070a. UE1010amay also receive feedback, telemetry, or other information from the remote device via wireless connection1070a. UE1010amay present this received information to a user who may then issue commands for the remote device. For example, UE1010amay receive via wireless connection1070aa video signal from a remote surgical room and then issue commands via wireless connection1070ato a remote surgical machine that can execute the commands.

While only a single UE1010ais illustrated inFIG.10, in practice any number of UEs may be used together with respect to a single use case. For example, a first UE1010amay be a speed sensor used in a drone which provides the drone's speed information to a second UE1010athat is a remote control operating the drone. When the user makes changes from the remote control, a third UE1010athat is an actuator may adjust a throttle on the drone to increase or decrease the speed. Similarly, in the example above, the first (sensor) and third (actuator) UE1010a's may be a single UE that handles communication for both the speed sensor and the actuators or UE10110amay comprise one or more of the above. Similarly, in the example above, a hub, such as hub1010b, may be used to handle communication between the sensors and actuators and the controller.

Hub1010bmay be any of a variety of different devices that provides wireless access to gNB1060bfor one or more remote devices1015a. Some examples of different types of hubs are listed inFIG.10and include a controller, router, content source and analytics. Hub1010bmay include memory to store data (e.g., video, audio, images, buffer, sensor data, file share) that is collected from, or is to be provided to, remote device1015a. Hub1010bmay include a processor, operating system, and server functionality. Hub1010bmay include components for wireless communication to enable wireless connection1071to remote device1015aand/or components for a fixed connection to remote device1015b. Hub1010bmay also include routing capabilities, firewall capabilities, a VPN-server or VPN-client. Hub1010bmay also allow for a different communication scheme and/or schedule between hub1010band remote devices1015and between hub1010band network1006.

As one example, hub1010bmay be a broadband router enabling direct or indirect access to network1006for remote device1015a. In certain embodiments, hub1010bmay facilitate communication between remote devices1015aand1015b. This may be done with, or without, the communications passing through network1006. In some embodiments, hub1010bmay simply forward the data from remote device1015aor1015bto network1006. In some embodiments, hub1010bmay first filter, buffer, store, analyze or collate the data from remote device1015aor1015bbefore sending on the data to network1006or another remote device. Similarly, the data from network1006may pass directly through hub1010bor it may first be processed by hub1010bon the way to remote device1015aor1015b.

As another example, hub1010bmay be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in remote device1015a. The commands or instructions may be received from a second remote device1015b, from gNB1060bor by executable code, script or process instructions in hub1010b.

As another example, hub1010bmay be a collection place for data from one or more remote devices1015aand/or1015b. For example, remote devices1015aand/or1015bmay be a sensor, a camera, measurement equipment, or any other type of device discussed herein that may provide output or receive input. Hub1010bmay act as a temporary storage for data from, for example remote device1015band, in some embodiments, may perform analysis, or other processing on the data. Hub1010bmay have a constant/persistent or intermittent connection to gNB1060b.

As another example, hub1010bmay be a content source. For example, when remote device1015ais a VR headset, display, loudspeaker or other media delivery device, hub1010bmay retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media via gNB1060bwhich it then provides to remote device1015aeither directly, after some local processing, and/or after adding additional local content.

Remote device1015amay be any of a variety of different devices, for example, remote device1015amay be a device comprising one or more of sensors, actuators, and/or a screen. Remote device1015amay alternatively be a VR (or AR) headset, a Machine-2-Machine (M2M) device, an IoT device, an internet of Everything (IoE) device, or any other type of device which is capable of accessing a communication network wirelessly via a hub or a device capable of acting as a hub, which in the present context comprise providing network access to a device which is not able to communicate directly with communication network1006via gNB1060aor1060b. In some scenarios, remote device1015amay be able to establish a wireless connection with gNB1060aor1060byet nonetheless still connects via hub10110b. Remote device1015bmay be similar to remote device1015ain most respects except that it has a wired connection to hub1010brather than a wireless connection, such as wireless connection1071.

gNBs1060aand1060bmay provide various wireless devices such as UE1010aand hub1010bwith wireless access to network1006. Network1006may connect the various devices illustrated inFIG.10including server1009which may host a variety of applications such as live and pre-recorded content, data collection services such as retrieving and compiling data on various ambient conditions detected by a plurality of remote devices1015a,1015bor UE1010a, analytics functionality, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other such function done by a server. For example, factory status information may be collected and analyzed by server1009. As another example, server1009may process audio and video data which may have been retrieved from UE1010afor use in creating maps. As another example, server1009may collect and analyze real-time data to assist in controlling vehicle congestion (e.g., controlling traffic lights). As another example, server1009may store surveillance video uploaded by remote device1015bvia hub1010b. As another example, server1009may store media content such as video, audio, VR, or AR which it can broadcast, multicast or unicast to remote devices such as UE1010aor remote device1015a. As other examples, server1009may be used for energy pricing, for remote control of non-time critical electrical load to balance power generation needs, location services, presentation services (such as compiling diagrams etc. from data collected from remote devices), or any other function of collecting, retrieving, storing, analyzing and/or transmitting data.

FIG.11illustrates an exemplary network node1160and exemplary UEs1110and1120. Network node1160can be any type of node described above (e.g., node160b,1060a,1060b). In one embodiment, UE1110is a UE that is configured to provide eMBB, CMTC, and/or URLLC of services; and UE1120is a RedCap UE configured to provide MTC, MBB, IoT type of services. In general, UE1110may have a higher mobility than UE1120. For example, UE1110can be a smartphone, a sensor mounted in a vehicle, a drone, or the like. UE1120can be a surveillance camera, a roadside sensor, a parking structure sensor, or the like. The existing RRM measurement criteria and rules may be used for UE1110and UE1120. However, UE1120may remain in a same physical location for an extended period of time (e.g., hours, days, months). Thus, performing measurements according to the existing RRM measurement criteria and rules may result in a waste of energy and network resources. It is understood that while UE1110may generally have a higher mobility than UE1120, UE1110may sometimes also be in a stationary-mobility state. For example, depending on a user (e.g., a patient), a smartphone may stay in a physical location for an extended period of time and may thus be considered to be in a stationary-mobility state. As a result, relaxing RRM measurement configurations can be performed for one or both of UE1110and UE1120, whether it is a RedCap device or not.

In some embodiments, a method1200is performed by a network node (e.g., node1160) and a UE (e.g., UE1110and/or1120) for relaxing RRM measurements as illustrated inFIG.12. In step1210ofFIG.12, the network node provides the UE with an indication for use in determining a stationary-mobility state of the UE. Correspondingly in step1220, the UE obtains the indication provided by the network node. A UE in a stationary-mobility state has a lower mobility than the UE in a low-mobility state. In 3GPP TS 38.304 specification, for a UE having a low mobility or at a cell edge, a low mobility evaluation setting and a cell edge evaluation setting can be configured such that existing relaxed RRM measurement criteria and rules may be applied. As discussed above, the existing relaxed RRM measurement criteria and rules may not be proper or sufficient for a UE in a stationary-mobility state. Therefore, additional relaxed RRM measurement criteria and rules are used, as described below in more detail usingFIG.13.

With reference still toFIG.12, in step1240, the UE determines, based on the indication provided by the network node, whether a mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state. For example, the UE can obtain signal values associated with at least one of a serving cell, one or more beams of the serving cell, one or more neighboring cells, and one or more beams of the neighboring cells. Using the obtained signal values and the received indication, the UE can determine whether the mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state.

In step1260, in accordance with a determination that the mobility state of the UE corresponds to a stationary-mobility state, the UE adjusts one or more RRM measurements according to relaxed RRM measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state. Adjusting the RRM measurements comprises relaxing one or more time intervals used in performing the one or more measurements. By extending the time interval between RRM measurements, the adjustments reduce the amount of energy consumed when performing RRM measurements.

In step1280, the UE performs at least one RRM measurement based on the adjustments. For example, the UE performs the RRM measurements of the serving cell and/or the neighboring cells at the extended time intervals. The RRM measurements can be performed at the cell level or beam level. In some embodiments, the UE transmits a measurement report to the network node based on the RRM measurements performed. In step1290, the network node receives the measurement report. Based on the measurement report, the network node can manage the network resources for an efficient use thereof. For example, based on the measurement report, the network node, alone or with other network nodes, can assign, reassign, and release radio resources to other UEs in a single or multi-cell environment. The results would be a more efficient allocation of network resources and more balanced network traffic with an efficient use of network bandwidth. One or more steps shown inFIG.12are described below in more detail.

As shown inFIG.13, indication1300, which may be obtained by a UE, comprises one or more RRM measurement criteria for further relaxing RRM measurements if UE1120is in a stationary-mobility state.FIG.13illustrates several examples of such criteria included in an indication1300. First criteria1310are based on a cell selection RX level value (denoted by “Srxlev”) of a serving cell of the UE, a reference cell selection received signal level value (denoted by “SrxlevRef”) of a serving cell of the UE, a threshold of variation of the cell selection received signal level value (denoted by “SSearchDeltaP”), and a minimization factor based on a mobility state of the UE (denoted by “Smin_factor”). A serving cell of a UE is the cell on which the UE is camped. The serving cell is thus the cell that the UE has chosen after the cell selection or reselection process. As an example, using the above four parameters, first criteria1310can be expressed as the below [eq 1].

In [eq. 1], Srxlev denotes cell selection RX level (e.g., the cell selection current received signal level) measured by the UE; and SrxlevRef denotes a reference cell selection received signal level value, which can be the Srxlev measured in a previous time period of measurement cycle. Therefore, (SrxlevRef−Srxlev) represents a variation of the cell selection RX level value over a preconfigured period of time. In [eq. 1], SSearchDeltaPdenotes a threshold variation of the cell selection received signal level value and Smin_factoris factor representing an amount of adjustment (e.g., a reduction amount) that is applied to the threshold SSearchDeltaP. Smin_factoris a real number greater than or equal to zero dB. By applying Smin_factorto SSearchDeltaP, the threshold variation of the cell selection received signal level value is adjusted (e.g., reduced or tightened) such that fulfilling the criteria as expressed in [eq. 1] indicates that the UE is at a stationary-state (e.g., not changing its location for an extended period of time such as hours or days). In some embodiments, Smin_factorcan be configured to have different levels or values. For example, if a first UE is expected to have less mobility than a second UE. The Smin_factormay be configured to have a larger value (and thus greater reduction of the variation threshold SSearchDeltaP) for the first UE than for the second UE.

First criteria1310can also be expressed as [eq. 2] below, which is a variation of [eq. 1].

In [eq. 2], the Smin_factoris divided by SSearchDeltaP, thereby also reducing the threshold variation such that fulfilling the criteria as expressed in [eq. 2] also indicates that the UE is at a stationary-mobility state.

Equations described above (e.g., [eq. 1] and [eq. 2]) are applicable to determine whether a UE is in a stationary-mobility state. For example, a UE in a stationary-mobility state may only slightly change its physical location or may not change its a physical location for a predetermined period of time (e.g., hours or days). A UE may also have a rotatory antenna to receive signals from different directions associated with different beams. For example, a network node may have NR beamforming capabilities. Beamforming is used with phase-array antenna systems to focus the wireless signals in a chosen direction, which results in an improved signal strength at the UE. Equations described above (e.g., [eq. 1] and [eq. 2]) are also applicable to UEs having rotatory antennas. In those situations, SrxleVRef and Srxlev represent beam level signal values instead of cell level signal values.

In some embodiments, a UE in a stationary-mobility state does not rotate its antenna. For these types of UEs, first criteria1310can be expressed as [eq below, which are respective variations of [eq. 1] and [eq. 2]. In [eq. 3] and [eq. 4], the absolute values of the SSearchDeltaPadjusted by Smin_factorare compared with the variation of the cell selection RX level value such that fulfilling the criteria as expressed in [eq. 3] and [eq. 4] indicates that the UE is in a stationary-mobility state. The use of absolute values in [eq. 3] and [eq. 4] accounts for the non-rotatory antenna of the UE. In [eq. 3] and [eq. 4], SrxleVRefand Srxlev may represent beam level signal values or cell level signal values. Smin_factorcan also be configured correspondingly to beam level or cell level signal values.

It is understood that first criteria1310can be expressed by any one or more of [eq. 1]-[eq. 4] above. The parameter Smin_factorcan be preconfigured in any desired manner corresponding to the equation used and/or level of mobility of the UE as discussed above.

With reference toFIG.13, in one embodiment, indication1300comprises one or more second criteria1320. Second criteria1320are based on a measured received signal level value (denoted by “Qrxlevmeas”) of a neighbouring cell, a reference signal received power (RSRP) of a neighboring cell, a threshold of variation of the measured received signal level value of a neighboring cell, and a second minimization factor. As shown inFIG.14, a serving cell1410is where a UE (e.g., UE1430) is camped. Serving cell1410can have one or more neighboring cells1420a-f. In some embodiments, each of the serving cell1410and neighboring cells1420a-fcorresponds to a respective network node (e.g., NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, not shown). Second criteria1320can be expressed similar to [eq. 1]-[eq. 4] using these parameters of the neighboring cell. For example, if UE1430is located close to an edge of serving cell1410(e.g., bottom edge as shown inFIG.14), it can also perform measurements of received signal level value of one or more neighboring cells such as neighboring cells1420d. Similar to those described above with respect to a serving cell, the determination of whether the UE is in a stationary-mobility state can also be performed based on comparison between the variation of the cell received signal level value of the neighboring cells and a corresponding threshold variation adjusted by a second minimization factor. The comparison can be done in a similar manner as those described above in [eq. 1]-[eq. 4] for the serving cell. In some embodiments, the determination of whether the UE is in a stationary-mobility state can be based on both the measurements of the serving cell and the measurements of the one or more neighboring cells. Using both measurements may improve the measurement accuracy in certain circumstances (e.g., when a UE is located at a cell edge or between two or more cells).

With reference back toFIG.13, in one embodiment, first criteria1310can be further based on a relaxation factor1312denoted by Srelax_factor. The relaxation factor1312can be used together with equations described above to adjust first criteria1310. While not shown, a same or different relaxation factor can also be used together with second criteria1320. For example, the relaxation factor can be added to [eq 1] to form [eq. 5] below.

In [eq. 5], Smin_factordenotes a minimization factor, which is greater than or equal to zero dB; and Srelax_factordenotes the relaxation factor, which is greater than or equal to 0 dB. In a similar manner, the relaxation factor can also be incorporated into other equations discussed above.

The relaxation factor is an additional parameter used to adjust first criteria1310and/or second criteria1320to account for device capabilities and/or types of UE. Different UEs may have different types and device capabilities. For example, a RedCap UE described above may have a reduced number of antennas, non-rotatory antennas, limited data rate, relaxed latency capabilities, greater battery life limitations due to smaller dimensions, or the like. There are also different types of RedCap UEs such as wearable devices, wireless sensors, IoT devices, video surveillance cameras, or the like. In some embodiments, the measurement accuracy that a UE can obtain is limited by the UE's capabilities and/or types. As a result, the measurements of one or more of the above-described parameters such as Srxlev may have greater variance for a UE with reduced capabilities. To account for this greater variance, different levels or values of relaxation factors can be applied to adjust equations of first criteria1310and/or second criteria1320. For example, if a RedCap UE has a large measurement inaccuracy or variance, a larger value of Srelax_factorcan be applied to (SSearchDeltaP−Smin_factor) to account for such inaccuracy or variance. The effective result is that a larger value of (SrxlevRef−Srxlev) may also fulfill [eq. 5], thereby indicating a stationary-mobility state of the UE.

In some embodiments, greater variance of the value of (SrxlevRef−Srxlev) may also be a result of measurements using different number of beams. For example, a UE having a rotatory antenna may use a first number of beams to determine the current Srxlev value, while using a second number of beams to determine the SrxlevRef. The first number and the second number of beams are not necessarily the same. If the numbers are different, the value of (SrxlevRef−Srxlev) resulted from such measurements may be greater than the value obtained from measurements using the same number of beams. The relaxation factor (Srelax_factor) can be applied to (SSearchDeltaP−Smin_factor) to account for measurements using different number of beams.

It is understood that the minimization factor Smin_factorand the relaxation factor Srelax_factorcan be configured to have any value based on one or more variables as described above, such as signal strength, device location, device capabilities, device types, or the like. For example, a UE having a rotatory antenna may be configured to have different a minimization factor and/or a relaxation factor from a UE having no rotatory antenna.

With reference toFIG.13, in one embodiment, indication1300comprises one or more third criteria1330. Third criteria1330are based on signals received by a rotatory antenna of the UE from one or more beams of one or more neighboring cells. Similar to those described above with respect to second criteria1320, measurements of a neighboring cell can be performed not only at the cell level but also at the beam level. As described above, a network node may have NR beamforming capabilities. And a UE may have a rotatory antenna to receive signals from different directions associated with different beams transmitted by the network node. Thus, the measurement of the variation of the received signal level values can be performed for individual beams of a neighboring cell. Such beam-level measurements can be used to determine whether third criteria1330is fulfilled and in turn determine whether the UE is in a stationary-mobility state. The third criteria1330can be expressed in a similar manner as those equations described above, but using beam-level signal values for one or more neighboring cells. In some embodiments, a UE has a rotatory antenna to track different beams periodically in different directions. One or more beams having greatest signal strength of previously measured neighboring cells can be evaluated periodically (e.g., based on the antenna's rotating period) to determine whether more than a threshold number of beams (of different neighboring cells) has changed. If the number of beams changed is not more than the threshold number of beams, it may indicate that the UE is in a stationary-mobility state.

With reference still toFIG.13, in one embodiment, indication1300comprises one or more fourth criteria1340. Similar to the above-described criteria1310-1330, fourth criteria1340are based on a cell selection RX level value (denoted by “Srxlev”), a threshold variation of the cell selection received signal level value (denoted by “SSearchDeltaP”), and a minimization factor corresponding to the mobility state of the UE (denoted by “Smin_factor”). Fourth criteria1340are further based on a plurality of reference cell selection received signal level values (denoted by “SrxlevRef_1. . . SrxleVRef_N”), instead of one reference cell selection received signal level value used in previously-described criteria. Each of the plurality of reference cell selection received signal level values (SrxlevRef_1. . . SrxlevRef_N) corresponds to a different direction for receiving signals by a rotatory antenna of a UE. The different directions may correspond to different beams transmitted by a network node having beamforming capabilities. For example, SrxlevRef_1is a reference measurement determined for a first direction, SrxlevRef_2is a reference measurement determined for a second direction, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the plurality of reference cell selection received signal level values (SrxlevRef_1. . . SrxlevRef_N) are determined using signals received in one rotation of the rotatory antenna of the UE. In some embodiments, fourth criteria1340are expressed by comparing the cell selection RX level value (Srxlev) with a corresponding one of the plurality of reference cell selection received signal level values (SrxleVRef_1. . . SrXIeVRef_N). For example, if the cell selection RX level value (Srxlev) is measured at the beam level for a particular beam associated with a particular direction, Srxlev is compared to only the corresponding reference cell selection received signal level value (e.g., SrxlevRef_x) measured for the same direction. Such comparison can be performed according to any of the equations or methods describes above with respect to criteria1310-1330.

With reference still toFIG.13, in one embodiment, indication1300comprises one or more fifth criteria1350. Fifth criteria1350are based on a number of cell reselections (denoted by “NCR_STATIONARY”) for determining whether the mobility state of the UE corresponds to a stationary-mobility state. The 3GPP TS38.304 specification defines the mobility states of a UE and the associated state detection criteria. The UE's mobility state is determined using several parameters including a timer TCRmaxand the number of cell reselection thresholds NCR_Hand NCR_M. If the number of cell reselections during time period TCRmaxis less than NCR_M, the UE is determined to be in a normal-mobility state. If the number of cell reselections during time period TCRmaxis greater than or equal to NCR_Mbut less than or equal to NCR_H, the UE is determined to be in a medium-mobility state. If the number of cell reselections during time period TCRmaxis greater than NCR_H, the UE is determined to be in a high-mobility state. Furthermore, scaling factors are applied to account for different types of cells (e.g., NR cells, E-UTRA cells).

In some embodiments, fifth criteria1350comprises an additional number of cell reselection threshold NCR_STATIONARYfor determining whether the mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state. For example, fifth criteria1350can be expressed as one or more comparisons between the number of cell reselections during time period TCRmaxand the number of cell reselection thresholds NCR_Mand NCR_STATIONARY. For example, based on fifth criteria1350, if the number of cell reselections during time period TCRmaxis greater than NCR_STATIONARYbut less than NCR_M, the UE is determined to be in a normal-mobility state. And if the number of cell reselections during time period TCRmaxis less than or equal to NCR_STATIONARY, the UE is determined to be in a stationary-mobility state.

While the above examples of fifth criteria1350uses the cell level measurement as illustration, it is understood that a similar threshold for determining the stationary-mobility state can be configured for beam level measurements. For example, an additional threshold similar to NCR_STATIONARYcan be configured to define the threshold number of beam changes (e.g., within the serving cell) with another timer (e.g., denoted by “TCRmax_stationary”). Using the additional threshold and the timer, determination of whether the UE is in a stationary-mobility state can be performed in a similar manner as described above.

With reference still toFIG.13, in one embodiment, indication1300comprises one or more sixth criteria1360. Similar to the criteria1310-1350described above, sixth criteria1360are based on a cell selection RX level value (Srxlev) of a serving cell and a reference cell selection received signal level value (SrxlevRef) of the serving cell. Sixth criteria1360are further based on two thresholds, i.e., a first threshold variation of the cell selection received signal level value (SSearchDeltaP_x) and a second threshold variation of the cell selection received signal level value (SSearchDeltaP_y). In some embodiments, the first threshold variation of the cell selection received signal level value (SSearchDeltaP_x) and the second threshold variation of the cell selection received signal level value (SSearchDeltaP_y) correspond to different device types and/or capabilities.

As described above, a UE may have different types and/or capabilities. For example, UEs used for eMBB/CMTC services are usually high performance UEs capable of providing high data rate, low latency, and high reliability. These types of UEs may have, for example, faster processors, a larger number of processors, more memory, a battery with greater capability, rotatory antennas, etc. RedCap UEs are different. They usually have less device capabilities for providing less complex or demanding services, such as MTC or MBB services with low performance requirements. By using two different thresholds SSearchDeltaP_xand SSearchDeltaP_y, sixth criteria1360can provide unified or integrated criteria for determining the mobility state for UEs with different types and/or capabilities. In one embodiment, sixth criteria1360can be expressed as [eq. 6] below.

In [eq. 6] above, SSearchDeltaP_ydenotes a threshold variation of the cell selection received signal level value for RedCap devices and SSearchDeltaP_xdenotes threshold variation of the cell selection received signal level value for all other devices (e.g., UEs providing eMBB/CMTC services). If the UE is a non-RedCap device, SSearchDeltaP_yis zero and only SSearchDeltaP_xis used for determining the mobility state of the UE. If the UE is a RedCap device, the minimum of the configured thresholds SsearchDeltaP_x and SSearchDeltaP_yis used in [eq. 6] to determine whether the UE is in a stationary-mobility state. The determination using [eq. 6] can be performed in a similar manner as described above with respect to criteria1310-1350. In one embodiment, sixth criteria1360also comprise an indication of whether SSearchDeltaPy should be scaled based on the UE's capability (e.g., using the scaling factors similar to those described in fifth criteria1350).

With reference toFIG.13, it is understood that indication1300can comprise any one or more of criteria1310-1360in any desired combination. It is further understood that one or more of criteria1310-1360and their associated parameters (e.g., reference cell selection received signal level values, variation thresholds, etc.) can be configured in any manner to account for different UE capabilities and/or types. As shown in [eq. 6], for example, different criteria or thresholds may be applied for a RedCap UE compared to a non-RedCap UE.

In some embodiments, in addition to one or more of criteria1310-1360, indication1300further comprises a timer parameter (not shown inFIG.13) indicating an amount of time associated with a stationary-mobility state of the UE. The timer parameter may be a new parameter that was not used for other mobility states (e.g., high, medium, normal, low) or may be an existing timer parameter used for other mobility states. The timer parameter can be, for example, a timer denoted by TSearchDeltaP_stationary, which represents the time period over which the Srxlev variation is evaluated for relaxed measurement for a UE in a stationary-mobility state. The timer parameter can also be an extension time denoted by ΔTextension, which represents the extra time to be applied to a timer for a UE in a low/normal/medium/high-mobility state such that the total time period is configured for the UE in a stationary-mobility state. The timer parameter can also be a scaling factor denoted by SFextension, which represents the scaling to be applied to a timer for a UE in a low/normal/medium/high-mobility state such that the total time period is configured for the UE in a stationary-mobility state. The timer parameter can be included in indication1300or provided separately from a network node to a UE. In some embodiments, the timer parameter (e.g., TSearchDeltaP_stationary) can be applied in fifth criteria1350. For example, instead of using TCRmaxin fifth criteria1350, TSearchDeltaP_stationarycan be used such that if the number of cell reselections during time period TSearchDeltaP_stationaryis less than or equal to NCR_STATIONARY, the UE is determined to be in a stationary-mobility state.

With reference back toFIG.12, a network node (e.g., node1160) and a UE (e.g., UE1110or1120) perform a method1200for relaxing RRM measurements. In step1210ofFIG.12, the network node provides a UE with an indication (e.g., indication1300) for use in determining a stationary-mobility state of the UE. Correspondingly in step1220, the UE obtains the indication provided by the network node. In some embodiments, the indication provided by the network node includes one or more of criteria1310-1360as described above. The network node may, for example, provide all criteria1310-1360to the UE. The UE, based on knowledge of its capabilities and/or type, determines to use one or more of the criteria1310-1360. In another embodiment, the network node may request the UE to provide its device capabilities and/or type before providing one or more of the criteria1310-1360to the UE.

In another embodiment, the network node may infer the UE's device capabilities and/or type before providing the UE with one or more of criteria1310-1360accordingly. For example, the network node (e.g., a gNB) may infer the UE's device capabilities and/or types based on data of the number of cell or beam reselections in the past, the UE's location data, the UE's model, the UE's registration or subscription information, or the like. The data for such an inference may be provided from a core network node (e.g., subscription information) and/or obtained based on monitoring of the UE data traffic and mobility patterns. If the network node inferred that a UE is a RedCap UE, it may select one or more criteria from criteria1310-1360and provide the selected criteria to the UE. In some embodiments, the network node may further provide the time parameter described above to the UE as an indication that the criteria for relaxing RRM measurement should be used.

In some embodiments, an indication comprising one or more criteria (e.g., criteria1310-1360) can be provided from the network node to the UE during an initial attachment procedure (e.g., when the UE has selected the serving cell and is camped on the serving cell associated with the networking node). The UE can store the indication and can perform subsequent actions based on the stored indication for the duration of time it is attached to the network node.

In some embodiments, some network nodes may support the determination of UE's stationary-mobility state and the associated relaxed RRM measurement rules, and some network nodes may not. As a results, a network node may also provide to the UE an indication (e.g., in system information) of whether the network node supports the determination of UE's stationary-mobility state and the associated relaxed RRM measurement rules. If such an indication is also provided during the initial attachment procedure, the UE's stationary-mobility determination and associated relaxed RRM measurement rules can be supported in any RRC state (e.g., RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE, or RRC_CONNECTED). In some embodiments, such an indication can be provided on a per-UE and per-cell basis, for example, when the RRC connection is being established, when signaling between the UE and network node is being resumed; or when other dedicated RRC signaling between the UE and the network node (e.g., a gNB) is used. In these embodiments, the UE's stationary-mobility determination and associated relaxed RRM measurement rules can be supported in the RRC_INACTIVE or RRC_CONNECTED states, but not in the RRC_IDLE state. In some embodiments, such an indication can be provided to the UE in an RRC release message when a connection is being released or suspended. In these embodiments, the UE's stationary-mobility determination and associated measurement rules can be supported while the UE is in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states.

With reference still toFIG.12, in step1240, the UE determines, based on the indication provided by the network node, whether a mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state. For example, the UE can obtain signal values (e.g., the Srxlev, the SrxlevRef) associated with at least one of a serving cell, one or more beams of the serving cell, one or more neighboring cells, and one or more beams of the neighboring cells. Using the signal values obtained and one or more of criteria1310-1360described above, the UE can determine whether the mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state.

In step1260, in accordance with a determination that the mobility state of the UE corresponds to a stationary-mobility state, the UE adjusts one or more RRM measurements according to relaxed RRM measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state. Adjusting the RRM measurements comprises relaxing one or more time intervals used in performing the one or more measurements. For example, if the UE is in a stationary-mobility state, the RRM measurement can be relaxed such that a time interval between measurements is further extended (e.g., relaxed from performing RRM measurement every 3 DRX cycle to every 10 DRX cycles). A DRX cycle is a discontinuous reception cycle, which can be configured to a desired time period (e.g., 0.3 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.). By extending the time interval between RRM measurements, the adjustments reduce the amount of energy consumed when performing RRM measurements.

In some embodiments, the UE can use a stepwise relaxation configuration for adjusting the measurements. For example, if the UE determines that it is in a low-mobility state for a duration of a first timer parameter TSearchDeltaP, the UE can apply the relaxed RRM measurement rules for a low-mobility state, which has an extended time interval for performing RRM measurements. If the UE further determines that it is in a stationary-mobility state for a duration of a second timer parameter TSearchDeltaP_stationary, the UE can apply the relaxed RRM measurement rules for a stationary-mobility state, which has a further extended time interval for performing RRM measurements (e.g., >1 hour or >3 DRX cycles). The stepwise relaxation configuration can be applied for a serving cell or a neighboring cell.

With reference still toFIG.12, in step1280, the UE performs at least one RRM measurement based on the adjustments. For example, the UE performs the RRM measurements of the serving cell and/or the neighboring cells at the extended time intervals. The RRM measurements can be performed at the cell level or beam level. In some embodiments, the UE transmits a measurement report to the network node based on the RRM measurements performed. In step1290, the network node receives the measurement report. Based on the measurement report, the network node can manage the network resources for an efficient use thereof. For example, based on the measurement report, the network node, alone or with other network nodes, can assign, reassign, and release radio resources to other UEs in a single or multi-cell environment. The results would be a more efficient allocation of network resources and more balanced network traffic with an efficient use of network bandwidth.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a method performed by a user equipment (UE) for relaxing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement is provided. The method comprises obtaining an indication for use in determining a stationary-mobility state of the UE. The indication comprises one or more first criteria, which is based on a difference between a current signal level value and a reference signal value as compared to an adjusted threshold. The method further comprises determining whether a mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state based on the indication. The UE in the stationary-mobility state has a lower mobility than the UE in a low-mobility state. In accordance with a determination that the mobility state of the UE corresponds to a stationary-mobility state, the method further comprises adjusting one or more measurements according to measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state. The adjustments reduce the amount of energy consumed when performing RRM measurement. The method further comprises performing at least one RRM measurement based on the adjustments.

In one embodiment, a method performed by a network node for relaxing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements is provided. The method comprises providing a user equipment (UE) with an indication for use in determining a stationary-mobility state of the UE, the indication comprising one or more first criteria. The first criteria is based on a difference between a current signal level value and a reference signal value as compared to an adjusted threshold. The UE in a stationary-mobility state has a lower mobility than the UE in a low-mobility state. The method further comprises receiving a measurement report based on adjusted measurements according to one or more measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state.

In one embodiment, a method performed by a wireless communication system is provided. The system comprises a network node and a user equipment (UE). The user equipment is served by a serving cell of the network node. The method comprises providing, from the network node to the UE, an indication for use in determining a stationary-mobility state of the UE. The indication comprises one or more first criteria, wherein the first criteria is based on a difference between a current signal level value and a reference signal value as compared to an adjusted threshold. The method further comprises determining, by the UE based on the indication, whether a mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state. The UE in the stationary-mobility state has a lower mobility than the UE in a low-mobility state. In accordance with a determination that the mobility state of the UE corresponds to a stationary-mobility state, the method further comprises adjusting one or more measurements by the UE according to measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state. The adjustments reduce the amount of energy consumed when performing RRM measurement. The method further comprises performing at least one RRM measurement by the UE based on the adjustments and receiving, by the network node, a measurement report based on adjusted measurements according to one or more measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state.

In one embodiment, the current signal level value is represented by Srxlev, and the reference signal value is represented by SrxlevRef. The first criteria is expressed by one or more of:

where Srxlev denotes a cell selection RX level value of a serving cell of the UE, SrxlevRef denotes a reference cell selection received signal level value of a serving cell of the UE, SSearchDeltaP denotes a threshold of variation of the cell selection received signal level value, and Smin_factor denotes a minimization factor based on a mobility state of the UE.

In one embodiment, the indication further comprises one or more second criteria. The second criteria are based on a measured received signal level value (Qrxlevmeas) of a neighboring cell, a reference signal received power (RSRP) of a neighboring cell, a threshold of variation of the measured received level value, and a second minimization factor.

In one embodiment, the indication further comprises one or more third criteria. The third criteria are based on signals received by a rotatory antenna of the UE from one or more beams of one or more neighboring cells.

In one embodiment, the first criteria are further based on a relaxation factor based on at least one of capabilities or a device type of the UE.

In one embodiment, the indication comprises one or more fourth criteria. The fourth criteria are based on a cell selection RX level value (Srxlev), a plurality of reference cell selection received signal level values (SrxlevRef_1 . . . SrxlevRef_N), a threshold of variation of the cell selection received signal level value (SSearchDeltaP), and a minimization factor corresponding to the mobility state of the UE (Smin_factor).

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of reference cell selection received signal level values (SrxlevRef_1 . . . SrxlevRef_N) corresponds to a different rotation of a rotatory antenna of the UE. One or more of the fourth criteria are expressed by comparing the cell selection RX level value (Srxlev) with a corresponding one of the plurality of reference cell selection received signal level values (SrxlevRef_1 . . . SrxlevRef_N).

In one embodiment, the indication comprises one or more fifth criteria. The fifth criteria are based on a first number of cell reselections (NCR_STATIONARY) to be used in determining whether the mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state.

In one embodiment, the first number of cell reselections (NCR_STATIONARY) is associated with its own timer.

In one embodiment, the indication comprises one or more sixth criteria. The sixth criteria are based on a cell selection RX level value (Srxlev) of a serving cell, a reference cell selection received signal level value (SrxlevRef) of the serving cell, a first threshold of variation of the cell selection received signal level value (SSearchDeltaP_x), and a second threshold of variation of the cell selection received signal level value (SSearchDeltaP_y). The first threshold of variation of the cell selection received signal level value and the second threshold of variation of the cell selection received signal level value correspond to one or more of different device types and capabilities.

In one embodiment, determining whether the mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-state comprises obtaining signal values associated with at least one of a serving cell, one or more beams of the serving cell, one or more neighboring cells, and one or more beams of the neighboring cells; and determining whether the mobility state of the UE corresponds to the stationary-mobility state based on the indication and the obtained signal values.

In one embodiment, the method for relaxing Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement further comprises obtaining a timer parameter indicating an amount of time associated with a stationary-mobility state of the UE.

In one embodiment, adjusting one or more measurements according to measurement rules associated with the stationary-mobility state comprises relaxing one or more time periods used in performing one or more of serving cell measurements and neighboring cell measurements.

In one embodiment, the indication is provided based on at least one of inferred device capabilities and a device type of the UE.

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project5G 5th GenerationCA Carrier AggregationCC Carrier ComponentCCCH SDU Common Control Channel SDUCDMA Code Division Multiplexing AccessCIR Channel Impulse ResponseCMTC Critical Machine Type CommunicationCP Cyclic PrefixDL DownlinkDM DemodulationDRX Discontinuous ReceptionDTX Discontinuous TransmissioneMBB Enhanced Mobile BroadbandeNB E-UTRAN NodeBE-SMLC evolved Serving Mobile Location CenterE-UTRA Evolved UTRAE-UTRAN Evolved UTRANgNB Base station in NRGSM Global System for Mobile communicationHO HandoverIoT Internet of ThingsLOS Line of SightLPP LTE Positioning ProtocolLTE Long-Term EvolutionMAC Medium Access ControlMBB Mobile BroadbandMBMS Multimedia Broadcast Multicast ServicesMBSFN Multimedia Broadcast multicast service Single Frequency NetworkMBSFN ABS MBSFN Almost Blank SubframeMDT Minimization of Drive TestsMIB Master Information BlockMME Mobility Management EntityMSC Mobile Switching CenterMTC Machine-Type CommunicationNR New RadioNG-RAN Next Generation Radio Access NetworkOCNG OFDMA Channel Noise GeneratorOFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division MultiplexingOFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple AccessOSS Operations Support SystemOTDOA Observed Time Difference of ArrivalO&M Operation and MaintenanceP-CCPCH Primary Common Control Physical ChannelPCell Primary CellPCFICH Physical Control Format Indicator ChannelPDCP Packet Data Convergence ProtocolPDP Profile Delay ProfilePDSCH Physical Downlink Shared ChannelPGW Packet GatewayPLMN Public Land Mobile NetworkPMI Precoder Matrix IndicatorPRACH Physical Random Access ChannelPRS Positioning Reference SignalPSS Primary Synchronization SignalPUCCH Physical Uplink Control ChannelPUSCH Physical Uplink Shared ChannelRACH Random Access ChannelQAM Quadrature Amplitude ModulationRAN Radio Access NetworkRAT Radio Access TechnologyRedCap Reduced CapabilityRLC Radio Link ControlRLM Radio Link ManagementRNC Radio Network ControllerRNTI Radio Network Temporary IdentifierRRC Radio Resource ControlRRM Radio Resource ManagementRS Reference SignalRSCP Received Signal Code PowerRSRP Reference Symbol Received Power ORReference Signal Received PowerRSRQ Reference Signal Received Quality ORReference Symbol Received QualityRSSI Received Signal Strength IndicatorRSTD Reference Signal Time DifferenceSCH Synchronization ChannelSCell Secondary CellSDAP Service Data Adaptation ProtocolSDU Service Data UnitSFN System Frame NumberSGW Serving GatewaySI System InformationSIB System Information BlockSNR Signal to Noise RatioSON Self Optimized NetworkSS Synchronization SignalSSS Secondary Synchronization SignalTDD Time Division DuplexTDOA Time Difference of ArrivalTOA Time of ArrivalTS Technical SpecificationTSS Tertiary Synchronization SignalTTI Transmission Time IntervalUE User EquipmentUL UplinkUMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication SystemURLLC Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency CommunicationUSIM Universal Subscriber Identity ModuleUTDOA Uplink Time Difference of ArrivalUTRA Universal Terrestrial Radio AccessUTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access NetworkWCDMA Wide CDMAWLAN Wide Local Area Network