Patent Description:
Examples of such multiple-access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency-division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, singlecarrier frequency-division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems, and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

3GPP Tdoc R2-<NUM> proposes that different BWPs are considered as different parts of a measurement object. The association between parts of the MO, i.e., a BWP to a report configuration can be considered further. The ID can also identify the BWP for which the measurement report is intended. Based on the measurement report for different BWPs, gNB can determine whether to add/remove a BWP.

The present invention is set out in the appended independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are subject to the dependent claims.

Thus, in a wireless communication network with a scheduled access to timefrequency resources and having a cellular configuration, a P2P configuration, and a mesh configuration, a scheduling entity and one or more subordinate entities may communicate utilizing the scheduled resources.

<FIG> shows a block diagram of a design <NUM> of BS <NUM> and UE <NUM>, which may be one of the base stations and one of the UEs in <FIG>. BS <NUM> may be equipped with T antennas 234a through 234t, and UE <NUM> may be equipped with R antennas 252a through 252r, where in general T ≥ <NUM> and R ≥ <NUM>.

At BS <NUM>, a transmit processor <NUM> may receive data from a data source <NUM> for one or more UEs, select one or more modulation and coding schemes (MCS) for each UE based at least in part on channel quality indicators (CQIs) received from the UE, process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for each UE based at least in part on the MCS(s) selected for the UE, and provide data symbols for all UEs. According to certain aspects described in more detail below, the synchronization signals can be generated with location encoding to convey additional information.

At UE <NUM>, antennas 252a through 252r may receive the downlink signals from BS <NUM> and/or other base stations and may provide received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) 254a through 254r, respectively.

The symbols from transmit processor <NUM> may be precoded by a TX MIMO processor <NUM> if applicable, further processed by modulators 254a through 254r (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM, CP-OFDM, and/or the like), and transmitted to BS <NUM>. At BS <NUM>, the uplink signals from UE <NUM> and other UEs may be received by antennas <NUM>, processed by demodulators <NUM>, detected by a MIMO detector <NUM> if applicable, and further processed by a receive processor <NUM> to obtain decoded data and control information sent by UE <NUM>. BS <NUM> may include communication unit <NUM> and communicate to network controller <NUM> via communication unit <NUM>.

Controller/processor <NUM> of BS <NUM>, controller/processor <NUM> of UE <NUM>, and/or any other component(s) of <FIG> may perform one or more techniques associated with radio resource management for multiple bandwidth parts, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, controller/processor <NUM> of BS <NUM>, controller/processor <NUM> of UE <NUM>, and/or any other component(s) of <FIG> may perform or direct operations of, for example, process <NUM> of <FIG>, process <NUM> of <FIG>, process <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or other processes as described herein. Memories <NUM> and <NUM> may store data and program codes for BS <NUM> and UE <NUM>, respectively.

In some aspects, UE <NUM> may include means for determining a measurement regarding a plurality of bandwidth parts of a carrier of the UE <NUM> based at least in part on a measurement object associated with the measurement, means for determining a cell quality regarding the plurality of bandwidth parts based at least in part on the measurement object, means for transmitting a measurement report identifying the measurement and/or the cell quality based at least in part on the measurement object, means for determining that a threshold is satisfied with regard to a plurality of activated bandwidth parts of the UE <NUM>, means for transmitting a message to cause a recovery or change with regard to the plurality of activated bandwidth parts, means for retransmitting the message based at least in part on not receiving a response to the message within a threshold length of time, and/or the like. In some aspects, such means may include one or more components of UE <NUM> described in connection with <FIG>.

In some aspects, BS <NUM> may include means for configuring a measurement object of a UE <NUM> in a carrier, means for receiving, from the UE <NUM>, information identifying a capability for switching from a first bandwidth part to a second bandwidth part of the plurality of bandwidth parts, means for configuring a switching pattern of the UE <NUM> based at least in part on the capability and/or the measurement object, and/or the like. In some aspects, such means may include one or more components of BS <NUM> described in connection with <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example <NUM> of bandwidth parts in an NR radio access technology, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

In NR, a UE <NUM> may be apportioned one or more bandwidth parts. As shown by reference number <NUM>, a bandwidth part may occupy part of a carrier (e.g., less than all of a carrier). By communicating using a bandwidth part for a UE <NUM>, power and radio resources are conserved in comparison to communicating using an entire carrier for the UE <NUM>. Furthermore, and as shown by reference number <NUM>, in some aspects, a UE <NUM> may communicate using multiple bandwidth parts. Here, the UE <NUM> is associated with a first bandwidth part (BWP) (e.g., BWP1) and a second bandwidth part (e.g., BWP2). Note that other data, potentially not associated with the UE <NUM>, can be carried between BWP1 and BWP2. In some cases, the resources between BWP1 and BWP2 may be unused (e.g., for a guard band, to reduce interference, based at least in part on scheduling constraints, etc.). In this way, versatility of air interface resources is improved by allowing non-contiguous bandwidth part assignment and assignment of a proper subset of a carrier for the UE <NUM> as a bandwidth part.

In some aspects, two or more bandwidth parts may partially or completely overlap in a carrier. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more bandwidth parts may be orthogonal to each other or may not overlap. Bandwidth parts can be used on the uplink and/or on the downlink. Numerology, frequency location, and/or bandwidth may be configured for each bandwidth part (e.g., via radio resource control (RRC) signaling). Bandwidth parts may be activated or deactivated (e.g., by explicit indication using downlink control information (DCI), a media access control (MAC) control element (CE), and/or the like). For example, a UE <NUM> may be configured with one or more configured bandwidth parts, and a subset of the configured bandwidth parts may be activated or deactivated for the UE <NUM> using signaling.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example <NUM> of information associated with bandwidth parts in an NR radio access technology, in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, and by reference number <NUM>, a bandwidth part (e.g., BWP2) includes a synchronization signal block and a physical broadcast channel, such as a NR physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (NR-PBCH). In some aspects, the PBCH or the NR-PBCH is referred to as a cell defining synchronization signal block. "NR-PBCH" is used interchangeably with "cell defining synchronization signal block" herein. The synchronization signal block and/or the NR-PBCH may be used for cell search and/or acquisition. In some aspects, the synchronization signal block may include a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a NR PSS (NPSS), a NR SSS (NSSS), and/or the like. In some aspects, the bandwidth of a single bandwidth part may be at least as large as the synchronization signal block.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, in some aspects, a bandwidth part (e.g., BWP1) may not include a synchronization signal block and/or a PBCH. This may provide additional bandwidth for transmission of data in a situation where it is not necessary to synchronize with regard to the bandwidth part, and may enable the usage of BWPs in a carrier that does not include a synchronization signal block.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, in some aspects, a bandwidth part (e.g., BWP3) may include a synchronization signal block and not a NR-PBCH. As shown by reference number <NUM>, bandwidth parts of a single carrier that include a synchronization signal block may be configured with the same physical cell identifier corresponding to the carrier. Otherwise, a UE <NUM> may not be able to synchronize with the single carrier, since the UE <NUM> may be confused as to whether the synchronization signal blocks are associated with the same carrier.

A UE <NUM> may communicate with a BS <NUM> using multiple different uplink and/or downlink bandwidth parts. The BS <NUM> may configure cell quality measurement for the UE <NUM> using a measurement object. However, configuration of measurement objects and cell quality measurement for a UE <NUM> associated with multiple bandwidth parts may present certain problems. For example, in a case where the multiple bandwidth parts include multiple synchronization signal blocks, it may be difficult to configure a carrier-specific measurement object with regard to the multiple synchronization signal blocks. Additionally, or alternatively, it may be difficult to determine a cell quality measurement for multiple bandwidth parts, since performing multiple cell measurements may use significant power and UE resources. Another challenge of radio resource management for multiple bandwidth parts may relate to addition and release of bandwidth parts. For example, the UE <NUM> may need to perform BWP-specific measurement and reporting, and switching from one bandwidth part to another bandwidth part may involve variable delay or latency (e.g., based at least in part on different signaling configurations, bandwidth separations, and/or the like). Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may benefit from a mechanism to quickly recover an active bandwidth part that has been lost or dropped.

Some techniques and apparatuses described herein may provide for radio resource management of UEs with multiple bandwidth parts. For example, some techniques and apparatuses described herein provide for configuration of a single measurement object per carrier to identify measurement configurations and reporting configurations for a plurality of bandwidth parts of the carrier. Some techniques and apparatuses described herein provide measurement and reporting based at least in part on such measurement objects. Some techniques and apparatuses described herein provide for determination of a timing pattern for switching bandwidth parts based at least in part on a switching capability of a UE <NUM> associated with the bandwidth parts. Some techniques and apparatuses described herein provide for detection of a failed or dropped bandwidth part, and signaling for a recovery or switching process based at least in part on the detection.

In this way, accuracy and reliability of measurement for multiple bandwidth parts is improved. Furthermore, resource and power consumption for measurement of multiple bandwidth parts is reduced. Still further, graceful recovery from a failed bandwidth part is provided. Even further, more accurate scheduling of switching between bandwidth parts is achieved.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating examples <NUM> of radio resource management for multiple bandwidth parts, in accordance with the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, and by reference number <NUM>, a UE <NUM> may be associated with a carrier (e.g., Carrier <NUM>) and multiple different bandwidth parts (e.g., bandwidth parts <NUM> and <NUM>). In some aspects, bandwidth parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be non-contiguous. In some aspects, bandwidth parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be contiguous. In some aspects, bandwidth part <NUM> and/or bandwidth part <NUM> may include a synchronization signal block. Additionally, or alternatively, bandwidth part <NUM> and/or bandwidth part <NUM> includes a NR-PBCH. For example, only one of bandwidth part <NUM> or bandwidth part <NUM> includes a NR-PBCH. In some aspects, one bandwidth part per cell may include an NR-PBCH. In some aspects, one bandwidth part, of the bandwidth parts associated with UE <NUM> (e.g., active bandwidth parts or configured bandwidth parts of UE <NUM>), may include a NR-PBCH. In some aspects, the NR-PBCH may be considered as the time reference of a cell associated with the carrier. Bandwidth parts <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be active bandwidth parts of the UE <NUM>, and/or may be configured bandwidth parts of the UE <NUM> that have not been activated or have been deactivated.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, a BS <NUM> may provide a measurement object for Carrier <NUM> to the UE <NUM>. For example, the BS <NUM> may configure the measurement object. The measurement object may identify measurement configurations, reporting configurations, and/or a cell quality derivation configuration for Carrier <NUM>. For example, a measurement configuration may identify frequency how the UE <NUM> is to perform measurements (and, additionally and/or optionally, bandwidth, location of a reference signal, filtering techniques, and/or the like). A reporting configuration may identify criteria used by the UE <NUM> to trigger transmission of a measurement report, and may identify qualities or values that the UE <NUM> should include in the measurement report. For example, the reporting configuration may identify a reference signal to measure (e.g., a synchronization signal or reference signal, such as a channel state information (CSI) reference signal (CSI-RS)), a periodical trigger or event-based trigger, an event type (e.g., an A1 event, an A2 event, an A3 event, an A4 event, an A5 event, an A6 event, or another type of event), a threshold for the indicated event type, a reporting type, and/or the like. In some aspects, the event type triggers may be similar to or identical to the event type triggers known in LTE. The cell quality derivation configuration may identify how to identify a cell quality value based at least in part on values of the measurements. By defining measurement configurations, reporting configurations, and cell quality derivations using a single measurement object for Carrier <NUM>, confusion is avoided that might otherwise be caused by the measurement of multiple, different bandwidth parts.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may identify one or more measurement configurations and one or more reporting configurations according to the measurement object. For example, the UE <NUM> may identify one or more measurement configurations that correspond to bandwidth parts <NUM> and/or <NUM> (e.g., based at least in part on an identifier of bandwidth parts <NUM> and/or <NUM>), and may identify one or more reporting configurations that correspond to bandwidth parts <NUM> and/or <NUM> (e.g., based at least in part on an identifier of bandwidth parts <NUM> and/or <NUM>). In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may identify a reporting configuration based at least in part on a measurement configuration. For example, the measurement configuration may include a pointer to the corresponding reporting configuration. For a more detailed description of contents of a measurement object, refer to the description accompanying <FIG> and <FIG>, below.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> determines one or more measurements for bandwidth parts <NUM> and <NUM> according to the measurement configuration and based at least in part on a trigger condition. For example, when a trigger condition is satisfied (e.g., for a threshold length of time), the UE <NUM> may perform measurements to generate a measurement report. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may determine the measurement using a layer <NUM> filtering technique (e.g., physical layer). For example, for serving cell management, layer <NUM> filtering may be used. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may determine the measurement using a layer <NUM> (e.g., radio resource control layer) filtering technique. For example, for mobility management, a layer <NUM> filtering technique may be used for a bandwidth part that includes the NR-PBCH.

In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may generate a measurement report periodically. The UE <NUM> may identify the trigger condition and/or a periodicity for transmitting a measurement report based at least in part on the reporting configuration. The UE <NUM> may determine the one or more measurements based at least in part on a synchronization signal (e.g., a PSS, SSS, NPSS, NSSS, etc.), a reference signal (e.g., a CSI-RS or a similar reference signal), and/or the like. For example, the measurement configuration of the UE <NUM> may indicate which type of signal is to be used.

In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may determine a combined measurement value for multiple, different bandwidth parts. For example, the UE <NUM> may determine an average measurement value of the multiple, different bandwidth parts. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may determine a maximum measurement value of the multiple, different bandwidth parts. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may determine an average or maximum measurement value of a plurality of activated bandwidth parts. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may determine an average or maximum measurement value for a plurality of configured (e.g., activated or deactivated) bandwidth parts.

Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may determine a measurement value for a single bandwidth part. For example, the UE <NUM> may determine a measurement value for a single bandwidth part that includes a NR-PBCH. This may be particularly beneficial when only one NR-PBCH is transmitted per carrier. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may determine a measurement value for a single bandwidth part that is overlapped between a serving cell and a target cell after coordination between the serving cell and the target cell. This may be beneficial when the UE <NUM> is to handover from the serving cell to the target cell. In this way, the UE <NUM> may determine a combined measurement value based at least in part on multiple, different bandwidth parts, which provides for determination of a UE-specific (e.g., rather than BWP-specific) cell quality value. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may determine the measurement value for radio resource management (RRM) of a serving cell. For example, the UE <NUM> may perform RRM based at least in part on the bandwidth part that includes the NR-PBCH, irrespective of which bandwidth parts are activated.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> determines a cell quality using the measurement values. For example, the UE <NUM> may determine the cell quality using a combined measurement value (e.g., when a combined measurement value is determined). Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may determine the cell quality using a measurement value for a single bandwidth part, such as a bandwidth part having a NR-PBCH or a bandwidth part shared between a target cell and a serving cell. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may determine, for example, a channel quality indicator (CQI), a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a combination of the above measurement values and/or cell quality values, and/or the like.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> reports the cell quality (e.g., and/or the measurement values) for bandwidth parts <NUM> and <NUM> according to the reporting configuration. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may report cell quality values for all configured (or activated) bandwidth parts. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may report measurement values for a strongest X bandwidth parts, where X is any integer. In such a case, the value of X may be configurable and/or variable. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may report pairs of serving/neighbor cell quality values for a single frequency location. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may report a difference between a serving cell and neighbor cell in a same frequency location. The UE <NUM> may perform any of the above reporting on a periodic basis and/or an event-triggered basis, as well as for a synchronization signal and/or a reference signal.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> provides a measurement report regarding bandwidth parts <NUM> and <NUM>. In this way, the UE <NUM> determines a UE-specific (e.g., rather than BWP-specific) cell quality value based at least in part on a single measurement object, and reports the cell quality value to the BS <NUM>. Thus, simplicity and efficiency of measurement and reporting for UEs with multiple bandwidth parts is improved.

<FIG> illustrates an example <NUM> of indicating a switching capability of the UE <NUM> and configuring a switching pattern of the UE <NUM> according to the switching capability. For the purpose of <FIG>, assume that the operations described in <FIG> have been performed. However, the operations described in <FIG> need not be preceded by the operations described in <FIG>, and the operations described in <FIG> may be performed independently of the operations described in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, and by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may report a switching capability from a first bandwidth part (e.g., BWP A) to a second bandwidth part (e.g., BWP B). In some aspects, the switching capability may identify a latency associated with switching from a first bandwidth part to a second bandwidth part. Additionally, or alternatively, the switching capability may identify a latency associated with switching between different types of bandwidth parts. For example, the switching capability may relate to uplink bandwidth parts and/or downlink bandwidth parts, may identify a latency for switching between a bandwidth part associated with a first signaling type (e.g., DCI, MAC-CE, etc.) and a second signaling type (e.g., DCI, MAC-CE, etc.), may indicate a delay based at least in part on CQI, may indicate a delay based at least in part on radio frequency delay, and/or the like.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the BS <NUM> may configure a switching pattern for the UE <NUM> based at least in part on the switching capability. For example, the switching pattern may identify scheduling and/or timing for switching from a first bandwidth part to a second bandwidth part. Additionally, or alternatively, the switching pattern may identify a cycle (e.g., a frequency hopping cycle and/or the like) that is configured based at least in part on the switching capability. As a particular example, the switching pattern may be configured based at least in part on a latency for switching between two bandwidth parts so that sufficient time is provided for switching between the two bandwidth parts.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the BS <NUM> may schedule traffic for the UE <NUM> based at least in part on the switching pattern, and, as shown by reference number <NUM>, the BS <NUM> and the UE <NUM> may communicate based at least in part on the scheduled pattern. For example, the BS <NUM> may schedule traffic on two or more bandwidth parts based at least in part on the switching pattern in a fashion that provides adequate time for switching between the two or more bandwidth parts. In this way, efficiency of scheduling is improved and gaps between transmissions on different bandwidth parts may be more accurately determined.

Other examples are possible and may differ from what was described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example <NUM> of radio resource management for multiple bandwidth parts in a case of a bandwidth part failure, in accordance with various aspects useful for understanding the present invention. The operations described in connection with <FIG> may be performed independently of or in conjunction with the operations described in connection with <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, and by reference number <NUM>, a UE <NUM> may detect a condition of a plurality of bandwidth parts. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may detect the condition based at least in part on a quality associated with the plurality of bandwidth parts (e.g., a measurement value, a cell quality, a CQI, a throughput, a signal strength, or a similar value), such as a quality determined according to the operations described in connection with <FIG>, above. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE <NUM> may detect the condition based at least in part on a load (e.g., a threshold resource availability, a threshold signal to noise ratio, or a similar value). In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may detect the failure based at least in part on a time threshold or a timer. For example, the UE <NUM> may detect the condition when a failure condition has been satisfied for a threshold length of time.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may transmit a recovery request based at least in part on detecting the condition. In some aspects, and as shown, the UE <NUM> may transmit the recovery request in a particular bandwidth part, such as a configured (e.g., pre-configured, fallback, etc.) uplink bandwidth part. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may receive information indicating a bandwidth part and/or resource in which the recovery request is to be transmitted. For example, the information may be received in a remaining system information (RMSI) carried in an active downlink bandwidth part. In some aspects, the UE <NUM> may transmit the recovery request as a random access resource. For example, the UE <NUM> may transmit the recovery request in a physical random access channel (PRACH) resource. In such a case, the UE <NUM> may transmit the recovery request based at least in part on a contention-based random access channel (RACH) procedure. In some aspects, the BS <NUM> may configure the RACH procedure for the UE <NUM> using a RMSI. For example, the BS <NUM> may configure the RACH procedure for an uplink bandwidth if a linked downlink bandwidth part (e.g., of a serving cell, which includes the RMSI) carries the NR-PBCH or the synchronization signal block for the serving cell.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the BS <NUM> may detect the recovery request, and, as shown by reference number <NUM>, the BS <NUM> may reconfigure a bandwidth part pair between the UE <NUM> and a gNB (e.g., the BS <NUM> or another BS). For example, the BS <NUM> may identify a bandwidth part available to the UE <NUM> (e.g., a configured bandwidth part or a bandwidth part that has not yet been configured for the UE <NUM>). As shown by reference number <NUM>, the BS <NUM> may transmit information identifying the updated bandwidth part pair to the UE <NUM>, and the UE <NUM> and the BS <NUM> may communicate using the updated bandwidth part pair. When the bandwidth part pair is a configured bandwidth part pair, the BS <NUM> may activate the bandwidth part pair. When the bandwidth part pair is an unconfigured bandwidth part pair, the BS <NUM> may configure and activate the bandwidth part pair. In this way, the UE <NUM> detects a failure of a plurality of bandwidth parts and configures activation of another pair of bandwidth parts. In some aspects, when the UE <NUM> does not receive a response to the recovery request within a threshold length of time, the UE <NUM> may retransmit the recovery request.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example process <NUM> performed, for example, by a UE, in accordance with various aspects useful for understanding the present invention. Example process <NUM> is an example where a UE (e.g., UE <NUM>) performs radio resource management for multiple bandwidth parts.

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include determining one or more measurements regarding a plurality of bandwidth parts of a carrier of a user equipment based at least in part on a measurement object associated with the carrier (block <NUM>). For example, the user equipment (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may determine a measurement (e.g., one or more measurement values) regarding a plurality of bandwidth parts. The plurality of bandwidth parts may be included in (e.g., may be proper subsets of) a carrier of the user equipment. The user equipment may determine the measurement based at least in part on a measurement object associated with the carrier. For example, the measurement object may have a one-to-one correspondence with the carrier.

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include determining a cell quality regarding the plurality of bandwidth parts based at least in part on the measurement object (block <NUM>). For example, the user equipment (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may determine a cell quality value. The cell quality value may relate to the plurality of bandwidth parts. For example, the cell quality value may be based at least in part on a combination of measurement values associated with the plurality of bandwidth parts. The user equipment may determine the cell quality value based at least in part on the measurement object. For example, the measurement object may store configuration information indicating how to derive the cell quality value from the measurement values.

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include transmitting a measurement report identifying the one or more measurements and/or the cell quality based at least in part on the measurement object (block <NUM>). For example, the user equipment (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM>, transmit processor <NUM>, TX MIMO processor <NUM>, MOD <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and/or the like) may transmit a measurement report. The measurement report may identify the measurement values and/or the cell quality based at least in part on the measurement object. For example, the measurement report may be formatted according to a reporting configuration identified in the measurement object.

In some aspects, the measurement object identifies multiple, different measurement configurations corresponding to respective bandwidth parts of the plurality of bandwidth parts.

In some aspects, the measurement object identifies multiple, different reporting configurations for the measurement report, the multiple, different reporting configurations correspond to respective bandwidth parts of the plurality of bandwidth parts, and the user equipment is configured to identify a particular reporting configuration associated with at least one bandwidth part of the plurality of bandwidth parts of the user equipment.

In some aspects, a particular measurement configuration, of the multiple, different measurement configurations, that corresponds to the at least one bandwidth part, includes a pointer indicating that the particular reporting configuration is associated with the at least one bandwidth part. In some aspects, the particular reporting configuration includes information indicating that the particular reporting configuration is associated with the particular measurement configuration for the at least one bandwidth part. In some aspects, when a bandwidth part, of the plurality of bandwidth parts, includes a synchronization signal, a measurement configuration for the bandwidth part identifies at least one of a center frequency associated with the bandwidth part, a frequency offset associated with a synchronization signal in the bandwidth part, or a bandwidth associated with the bandwidth part.

In some aspects, when a bandwidth part, of the plurality of bandwidth parts, does not include a synchronization signal, a measurement configuration for the bandwidth part identifies at least one of a center frequency associated with the bandwidth part, a pointer associated with a synchronization signal in another bandwidth part or another carrier, a bandwidth associated with the bandwidth part, or a reference signal configuration for the bandwidth part.

In some aspects, the cell quality is determined based at least in part on a combination of two or more measurements of the one or more measurements for the plurality of bandwidth parts. In some aspects, the combination includes an average measurement or a maximum measurement for the plurality of bandwidth parts.

In some aspects, the cell quality is determined based at least in part on a measurement in a particular one of the plurality of bandwidth parts. In some aspects, the plurality of bandwidth parts is a plurality of configured bandwidth parts. In some aspects, the plurality of bandwidth parts is a plurality of activated bandwidth parts. In some aspects, the cell quality is determined based at least in part on a measurement in a bandwidth part that includes a physical broadcast channel. In some aspects, the physical broadcast channel is an only physical broadcast channel of a cell that provides the carrier. In some aspects, the cell quality is determined based at least in part on a measurement for a bandwidth part with a pre-configured reference synchronization signal. In some aspects, the physical broadcast channel is provided on a single bandwidth part of the plurality of bandwidth parts.

In some aspects, the cell quality is determined based at least in part on a measurement for a bandwidth part that overlaps between a serving cell and a target cell. In some aspects, the measurement report includes the one or more measurements regarding the plurality of bandwidth parts. In some aspects, the measurement report includes a value, of values of the one or more measurements, regarding a subset of the plurality of bandwidth parts that includes one or more strongest bandwidth parts. In some aspects, the measurement report includes values of paired measurements for a bandwidth part of the plurality of bandwidth parts that overlaps between a serving cell and a target cell.

In some aspects, the measurement report includes a difference between a bandwidth part associated with a serving cell and a bandwidth part associated with a neighbor cell. In some aspects, the measurement report is at least one of a periodical report or a triggered report, wherein the measurement report is based at least in part on a reporting configuration. In some aspects, the measurement report is triggered based at least in part on a cell quality threshold. In some aspects, the cell quality threshold is based at least in part on a first threshold for a synchronization signal or a second threshold for a reference signal, wherein the first threshold or the second threshold is used based at least in part on a reporting configuration of the user equipment. In some aspects, the one or more measurements are determined based at least in part on a physical layer filtering technique.

In some aspects, the one or more measurements are determined based at least in part on a radio resource control layer filtering technique. In some aspects, the one or more measurements are selectively determined based at least in part on a synchronization signal or a reference signal according to a reporting configuration.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example process <NUM> performed, for example, by a base station, in accordance with various aspects useful for understanding the invention. Example process <NUM> is an example where a base station (e.g., BS <NUM>) performs radio resource management for multiple bandwidth parts.

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include configuring a measurement object of a user equipment in a carrier, wherein the measurement object includes multiple measurement configurations for a plurality of bandwidth parts and corresponding reporting configurations for the plurality of bandwidth parts (block <NUM>). For example, the base station (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM>, transmit processor <NUM>, TX MIMO processor <NUM>, MOD <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and/or the like) may configure a measurement object of a user equipment in a carrier. The measurement object may correspond to the carrier. The measurement object may include multiple measurement configurations for a plurality of bandwidth parts of the carrier, and may include corresponding reporting configurations for the plurality of bandwidth parts (e.g., the reporting configurations may correspond to the measurement configurations and/or the bandwidth parts).

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include receiving, from the user equipment, information identifying a capability for switching from a first bandwidth part to a second bandwidth part of the plurality of bandwidth parts (block <NUM>). For example, the base station (e.g., using antenna <NUM>, DEMOD <NUM>, MIMO detector <NUM>, receive processor <NUM>, controller/processor <NUM>, and/or the like) may receive information identifying a capability for switching from a first bandwidth part (or a first bandwidth part type) to a second bandwidth part (or a second bandwidth part type). In some aspects, the information may identify a latency and/or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include configuring a switching pattern of the user equipment based at least in part on the capability and/or the measurement object (block <NUM>). For example, the base station may configure (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM>, transmit processor <NUM>, TX MIMO processor <NUM>, MOD <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and/or the like) a switching pattern of the user equipment. The base station may configure the switching pattern based at least in part on the capability and/or the measurement object. For example, the switching pattern may be configured to allocate sufficient time for switching between bandwidth parts and/or to reduce unnecessary time associated with switching between bandwidth parts.

In some aspects, the capability includes at least a latency for switching from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part. In some aspects, the capability is for switching between downlink bandwidth parts. In some aspects, the capability is for switching between uplink bandwidth parts. In some aspects, the capability is based at least in part on a signaling approach for the first bandwidth part and a signaling approach for the second bandwidth part.

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include determining that a threshold is satisfied with regard to a plurality of activated bandwidth parts of the user equipment (block <NUM>). For example, the user equipment (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM> and/or the like) may determine that a threshold is satisfied with regard to a plurality of activated bandwidth parts of the user equipment. The threshold may relate to cell quality, a measurement value, a load on the plurality of activated bandwidth parts, and/or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, process <NUM> may include transmitting a message to cause a recovery or change with regard to the plurality of activated bandwidth parts (block <NUM>). For example, the user equipment (e.g., using controller/processor <NUM>, transmit processor <NUM>, TX MIMO processor <NUM>, MOD <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and/or the like) may transmit a message to cause a recovery or change with regard to the plurality of activated bandwidth parts. The recovery may be scheduled and/or configured by a base station (e.g., the BS <NUM>). For example, the BS <NUM> may determine a pair of bandwidth parts (e.g., two or more bandwidth parts) to replace the plurality of activated bandwidth parts, and may configure the user equipment to be switched to the pair of bandwidth parts.

In some aspects, the message is a contention-based random access message In some aspects, the threshold relates to at least one of a signal quality value or a load associated with the plurality of activated bandwidth parts. In some aspects, a resource for the message in an uplink bandwidth part is indicated in a remaining system information of a bandwidth part of the plurality of activated bandwidth parts. In some aspects, the message is transmitted in a pre-configured resource of an uplink bandwidth part. In some aspects, the user equipment may retransmit the message based at least in part on not receiving a response to the message within a threshold length of time. In some aspects, determining that the threshold is satisfied comprises determining that the threshold is satisfied for a threshold length of time.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating examples <NUM> of a measurement object relating to multiple, different bandwidth parts, in accordance with various aspects useful for understanding the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, and by reference number <NUM>, a measurement object may correspond to a single carrier. This may be more efficient than using a different measurement object for every bandwidth part, or a different measurement object for every measurement configuration and/or reporting configuration.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, the measurement object may include information identifying a measurement configuration for each bandwidth part of the carrier. Each measurement configuration may include information identifying a corresponding reporting configuration, indicated by a line from each measurement configuration to a corresponding report type. Here, the first and second measurement configurations are associated with the first report type (e.g., Report type <NUM>), and the third and fourth measurement configurations are associated with the second report type (e.g., Report type <NUM>). The reporting configurations are shown by reference number <NUM>. Here, the reporting configuration for a particular bandwidth part (e.g., associated with a particular bandwidth part identifier) may be identified based at least in part on information, in the corresponding reporting configuration, identifying the particular bandwidth part identifier.

Turning now to <FIG>, it can be seen that in some aspects, the reporting configuration for a particular bandwidth part may be identified by a pointer or indication of the corresponding reporting configuration in the measurement configuration for the particular bandwidth part. As shown by reference number <NUM>, and as an example, BWPs <NUM> and <NUM> may be associated with reporting configuration <NUM>. As shown by reference number <NUM>, and as an example, BWPs <NUM> and <NUM> may be associated with reporting configuration <NUM>.

Returning now to <FIG>, as shown by reference number <NUM>, the measurement object may include information identifying a cell quality derivation configuration. For example, the measurement object may indicate how measurement values are to be combined to determine a cell quality value. As a more particular example, the cell quality derivation configuration may indicate whether values are to be averaged, whether a maximum is to be determined, whether a single measured value is to be used (e.g., for a bandwidth part having an NR-PBCH), and/or the like.

As further shown, the measurement configuration for any one of BWPs <NUM> through <NUM> (or any other bandwidth part) may include particular information. For example, and as shown by reference number <NUM>, when a bandwidth part includes a synchronization signal block, the measurement configuration for the bandwidth part may identify a center frequency of the bandwidth part, a bandwidth of the bandwidth part, and/or a frequency offset from the center frequency to the synchronization signal block.

As shown by reference number <NUM>, when the bandwidth part does not include a synchronization signal block (e.g., when the bandwidth part includes a reference signal), the measurement configuration may identify a center frequency of the bandwidth part, a bandwidth of the bandwidth part, a CSI-RS configuration of the bandwidth part, a pointer (e.g., a quasi co-location or indication pointer) for a synchronization signal bock in another bandwidth part or carrier, and/or the like. In this way, the measurement configuration may indicate information relevant to determining measurement values for the bandwidth part based at least in part on whether the bandwidth part includes a synchronization signal block or a reference signal.

Claim 1:
A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment, UE, (<NUM>) comprising:
configuring (<NUM>) the UE with a single measurement object per carrier to identify (<NUM>) a measurement configuration and a reporting configuration for a plurality of bandwidth parts of the carrier;
determining (<NUM>), according to the measurement configuration, one or more measurements regarding the plurality of bandwidth parts of the carrier using the single measurement object associated with the carrier,
wherein at least one of the plurality of bandwidth parts includes a cell-defining synchronization signal block, SSB, and
wherein the measurement configuration of the single measurement object identifies a frequency for the one or more measurements regarding the at least one of the plurality of bandwidth parts of the carrier;
determining (<NUM>) a cell quality regarding the plurality of bandwidth parts using the single measurement object; and
transmitting (<NUM>), according to the reporting configuration, a measurement report identifying the one or more measurements and/or the cell quality regarding the plurality of bandwidth parts using the single measurement object.