EP4272480A1

EP4272480A1 - User equipment (ue) capability for a maximum number of gap instances of a multiple concurrent gap pattern

Info

Publication number: EP4272480A1
Application number: EP21916180.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rui Huang; Andrey Chervyakov; Youn Hyoung Heo; Hua Li; Candy YIU
Original assignee: Intel Corp
Current assignee: Intel Corp
Priority date: 2021-01-04
Filing date: 2021-12-08
Publication date: 2023-11-08
Also published as: WO2022146637A1

Abstract

A generation node B (gNB) may configure a user equipment (UE) with two or more measurement gaps (MGs). The gNB may decode a capabilities information message from the UE that may indicate whether or not the UE is capable of supporting multiple concurrent measurement gaps (MGs). The gNB may encode signalling to configure the UE with two or more MGs when the UE has indicated a capability to support multiple concurrent MGs. The two or more MGs may comprise, respectively, two or more independent MG patterns that are to be concurrently activated for the UE. Some embodiments are directed to a user equipment (UE) capable of supporting multiple concurrent measurement gaps (MGs).

Description

USER EQUIPMENT (UE) CAPABILITY FOR A MAXIMUM NUMBER OF GAP INSTANCES OF A MULTIPLE CONCURRENT GAP

PATTERN

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/133,731, filed January 4, 2020 [reference number AD4511-Z] which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Some embodiments relate to wireless networks including 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) and fifth-generation (5G) networks including 5G new radio (NR) (or 5G-NR) networks. Some embodiments pertain to measurement gaps (MGs).

BACKGROUND

[0003] Mobile communications have evolved significantly from early voice systems to today’s highly sophisticated integrated communication platform. With the increase in different types of devices communicating with various network devices, usage of 3GPP 5G NR systems has increased. The penetration of mobile devices (user equipment or UEs) in modem society has continued to drive demand for a wide variety of networked devices in many disparate environments. 5G NR wireless systems are forthcoming and are expected to enable even greater speed, connectivity, and usability, and are expected to increase throughput, coverage, and robustness and reduce latency and operational and capital expenditures. 5G-NR networks will continue to evolve based on 3 GPP LTE- Advanced with additional potential new radio access technologies (RATs) to enrich people’s lives with seamless wireless connectivity solutions delivering fast, rich content and services. As current cellular network frequency is saturated, higher frequencies, such as millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency, can be beneficial due to their high bandwidth. [0004] The time duration during which a UE suspends it comm unication with its serving cell for measurements (e.g., to measure an inter-frequency neighbor or other RAT neighbors) is known as Measurement Gap (MeasGap). One issue with a conventional measurement gap pattern is that it may be insufficient for performing certain measurements required to be performed by a UE.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1A illustrates an architecture of a network, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C illustrate a non-roaming 5G system architecture in accordance with some embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates the use of one or more measurement gap patterns in accordance with some embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a MeasGapConfig information element (IE) in accordance with some embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram of a wireless communication device in accordance with some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates an example message exchange between a UE and gNB, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a procedure performed by a generation Node B

(gNB) for configuration a user equipment (UE) with two or more independent measurement gap (MG) patterns.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for. those ot other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

[0013] In 5G NR also radio-resource control (RRC) signalling is responsible for providing a measurement gap pattern configuration to UE. This may be done using the MeasGapConfig IE which may be carried by RRC Reconfiguration message which may have two parts. The first part may specify the control setup/release of the measurement gap and second part, may specify the measurement gap configuration and may control the setup/release. This conventional measurement gap configuration may be insufficient for performing certain measurements required to be performed by a UE.

[0014] Some embodiments are directed to a generation node B (gNB) that may configure a user equipment (UE) with two or more measurement gaps (MGs). In these embodiments, the gNB may decode a capabilities information message from the UE that may indicate whether or not the UE is capable of supporting multiple concurrent measurement gaps (MGs). In these embodiments, the gNB may encode signalling to configure the UE with two or more MGs when the UE. has indicated a capability to support multiple concurrent MGs. The two or more MGs may comprise, respectively, two or more independent MG patterns that are to be concurrently activated for the UE. These embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0015] In some embodiments, the gNB may determine a number of the independent MG patterns to be used for UE measurements on other frequency layers (e.g., of the reference signals in the neighbor cells to be measured by the UE). In some embodiments, the gNB may also determine a data-scheduling restriction (e.g., within the measurement, gap serving gNB will not. do any data- scheduling. In these embodiments, the gNB may limit the number of independent. MG paterns for the UE.

[0016] In some embodiments, each of the two or more independent MG patterns has a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) and a measurement gap length (MGL). In these embodiments, the gNB may determine a maximum number of independent MG patterns to activate for the UE based on the MGRP and the MGL of each of the independent MG patterns.

[0017] In some embodiments, the maximum number of independent MG patterns to activate for the UE may be based on an overhead ratio. The overhead ratio may be based on a total length (i.e., sum) ot the MGLs of all activated independent MG paterns within a predetermined duration (i.e,, a specified duration (max(MGRPi))). In some embodiments, the overhead ratio is based on whether or not data is scheduled for delivery for the UE. In some of these embodiments, the overhead ratio may be less than a maximum predetermined percentage.

[0018] In these embodiments, a lower overhead ratio may be used to determine the number of independent MG patterns to activate when data is scheduled (i.e., to maintain a minimum system capacity for data delivery). In these embodiments, a higher overhead ratio may be used to determine the number of independent MG patterns to activate when data is not scheduled (i.e., more time can be allocated for MGs since system capacity is not needed for data delivery). For example, in these embodiments, less than 20% of time within a predetermined duration (max(MGRPi)) may be allocated for measurement gaps. The term max(MGRPi) refers to a longest MGRP of the independent MG patterns that are to be activated for the UE.

[0019] In some embodiments, the predetermined duration may be based on a least common multiple (LCM) of the MGRP of all of the two or more independent MG patterns that are to be activated for the UE.

[0020] In some em bodiments, a maximum number of independent MG patterns to activate for the UE may be predetermined (e.g., a static number). In some embodiments, the number of independent MG to activate for the UE may be based on a number of types of objects to be measured by the UE.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one of the independent MG patterns that are to be activated for the UE is activated for measurement of positioning reference signals (PRS), and at least another one of the independent MG patterns that are to be activated for the UE is activated radio-resource management (RRM) (e.g., for Sync Signal/PBCH block (SSB) measurements). In some embodiments, at least one of the independent MG patterns may be active for measurement of channel-state information reference signals (CSI-RS), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0022] In some embodiments, the capabilities information message further indicates a number of the multiple concurrent MGs that the UE is capable of supporting. In some embodiments, the gNB is configured to encode a capability enquire message for transmission to the UE to request whether the UE is capable of supporting multiple concurrent MGs and/or to request the number of the multiple concurrent MGs that the UE is capable of supporting.

[0023] In some embodiments, the signalling to configure the UE with two or more MGs comprises a MeasGapConfig information element (IE). In some embodiments, the signalling to configure the UE with two or more MGs comprises a measConcurrentGapConfig information element (IE). These embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0024] Some embodiments are directed to a user equipment (UE) capable of supporting multiple concurrent measurement gaps (MGs). Tn these embodiments, the UE may encode a capabilities information message for transmission to a generation node B (gNB). The capabilities information message may indicate that, the UE is capable of supporting multiple concurrent measurement gaps (MGs). The UE may also decode signalling from the gNB to configure the UE with two or more MGs when the UE has indicated a capability to support multiple concurrent MGs. In these embodiments, the two or more MGs comprise, respectively, two or more independent MG patterns that, are to be concurrently activated for the UE. These embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0025] Some embodiments are directed to a non-tansitory computer- readable storage medium that stores instructions for execution by processing circuitry of a generation node B (gNB) that may configure a user equipment (UE) with two or more measurement gaps (MGs). These embodiments are described in more detail below.

[0026] FIG. 1A illustrates an architecture of a network in accordance with some embodiments. The network 140A is shown to include user equipment (UE) 101 and UE 102. The UEs 101 and 102 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices connectable to one or more cellular networks) but may also include any mobile or non-mobile computing device, such as Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, desktop computers, wireless handsets, drones, or any other computing device including a wired and/or wireless communications interface. The UEs 101 and 102 can be collectively referred to herein as UE 101, and UE 101 can be used to perform one or more of the techniques disclosed herein,

[0027] Any of the radio links described herein (e.g., as used in the network 140 A or any other illustrated network) may operate according to any exemplary radio communication technology and/or standard,

[0028] LIE and LTE- Advanced are standards for wireless communications of high-speed data for UE such as mobile telephones. Tn LTE- Advanced and various wireless systems, carrier aggregation is a technology according to which multiple carrier signals operating on different frequencies may be used to cany communications for a single UE, thus increasing the bandwidth available to a single device. In some embodiments, carrier aggregation may be used where one or more component carriers operate on unlicensed frequencies.

[0029] Embodiments described herein can be used in the context of any spectrum management scheme including, for example, dedicated licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, (licensed) shared spectrum (such as Licensed Shared Access (LSA) in 23-2,4 GHz, 3.4-3.6 GHz, 3.6-3.8 GHz, and further frequencies and Spectrum Access System (SAS) in 3.55-3.7 GHz and further frequencies).

[0039] Embodiments described herein can also be applied to different Single Carrier or OFDM flavors (CP-OFDM, SC-FDMA, SC-OFDM, filter bank-based multicarrier (FBMC), OFDMA, etc.) and in particular 3GPP NR (New Radio) by allocating the OFDM carrier data bit vectors to the corresponding symbol resources.

[0031] In some embodiments, any of the UEs 101 and 102 can comprise an Intemet-of-Things (loT) UE or a Cellular ToT (CIoT) UE, which can comprise a network access layer designed for low-power ToT applications utilizing short-lived UE connections. In some embodiments, any of the UEs 101 and 102 can include a narrowband (NB) loT UE (e.g., such as an enhanced NB- loT (eNB-IoT) UE and Further Enhanced (FeNB-IoT) UE). An loT UE can utilize technologies such as machine-to-machine (M2M) or machine-type communications (MTC) for exchanging data with an MTC server or device via a public land mobile network (PLMN), Proximity-Based Service (ProSe) or device-to-device (D2D) communication, sensor networks, or loT networks. The M2M or MTC exchange of data may be a machine-initiated exchange of data. An loT network includes interconnecting loT UEs, which may include uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices (within the Internet infrastructure), with short-lived connections. The loT UEs may execute background applications (e.g., keep-alive messages, status updates, etc.) to facilitate the connections of the loT network.

[0032] In some embodiments, any of the UEs 101 and 102 can include enhanced MTC (eMTC) UEs or further enhanced MTC (FeMTC) UEs.

[0033] The UF.s 101 and 102 maybe configured to connect, e.g., communicatively couple, with a radio access network (RAN) 110. The RAN 110 may be, for example, an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), a NextGen RAN (NG RAN), or some other type of RAN. The UEs 101 and 102 utilize connections 103 and 104, respectively, each of which comprises a physical communications interface or layer (discussed in further detail below); in this example, the connections 103 and 104 are illustrated as an air interface to enable communicative coupling and can be consistent with cellular communications protocols, such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol, a code-division multiple access (CDMA) network protocol, a Push-to- Talk (PTT) protocol, a PTT over Cellular (POC) protocol, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) protocol, a 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol, a fifth-generation (5G) protocol, a New Radio (NR) protocol, and the like,

[0034] In an aspect, the UEs 101 and 102 may further directly exchange communication data via a ProSe interface 105. The ProSe interface 105 may alternatively be referred to as a sidelink interface comprising one or more logical channels, including but not limited to a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), a Physical Sidelink Discovery Channel (PSDCH), and a Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel (PSBCH).

[0035] The UE 102 is shown to be configured to access an access point (AP) 106 via connection 107. The connection 107 can comprise a local wireless connection, such as, for example, a connection consistent with any IEEE 802.11 protocol, according to which the AP 106 can comprise a wireless fidelity (WiFi) router. In this example, the AP 106 is shown to be connected to the Internet without connecting to the core network of the wireless system (described in further detail below).

[0036] The RAN 110 can include one or more access nodes that enable the connections 103 and 104. These access nodes (ANs) can be referred to as base stations (BSs), NodeBs, evolved NodeBs (eNBs), Next Generation NodeBs (gNBs), RAN nodes, and the like, and can comprise ground stations (e.g., terrestrial access points) or satellite stations providing coverage within a geographic area (e.g., a cell). In some embodiments, the communication nodes 111 and 112 can be transmission/reception points (TRPs). In instances when the communication nodes 111 and 112 are NodeBs (e.g., eNBs or gNBs), one or more TRPs can function within the communication cell of the NodeBs. The RAN 110 may include one or more RAN nodes for providing macrocells, e.g., macro~RAN node 11 1, and one or more RAN nodes for providing femtocells or picocells (e.g., cells having smaller coverage areas, smaller user capacity, or higher bandwidth compared to macrocells), e.g., low power (LP) RAN node 112.

[0037] Any of the RAN nodes 111 and 112 can terminate the air interface protocol and can be the first point of contact for the UEs 101 and 102. In some embodiments, any of the RAN nodes 111 and 112 can fulfill various logical functions for the RAN 110 including, but not limited to, radio network controller (RNC) functions such as radio bearer management, uplink and downlink dynamic radio resource management and data packet scheduling, and mobility management. In an example, any of the nodes 111 and/or 112 can be a new generation Node-B (gNB), an evolved node-B (eNB), or another type of RAN node.

[0038] The RAN 110 is show to be communicatively coupled to a core network (CN) 120 via an SI interface 113. In embodiments, the CN 120 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) network, a NextGen Packet Core (NPC) network, or some other type of CN (e.g., as illustrated in reference to FIGS. 1B-1C). In this aspect, the SI interface 113 is split, into two parts: the S1 -U interface 114, which carries traffic data between the RAN nodes 111 and 112 and the serving gateway (S-GW) 122, and the Sl-mobihty management entity (MME) interface 115, which is a signaling interface between the RAN nodes 1 1 1 and 112 and MMEs 121.

[0039] In this aspect, the CN 120 comprises the MMEs 121, the S-GW 122, the Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW) 123, and a home subscriber server (HSS) 124. The MMEs 121 may be similar in function to the control plane of legacy Serving General Packet Radio Sendee (GPRS) Support Nodes (SGSN). The MMEs 121 may manage mobility embodiments in access such as gateway selection and tracking area list management. The HSS 124 may comprise a database for network users, including subscription-related information to support the network entities' handling of communication sessions. The CN 120 may comprise one or several HSSs 124, depending on the number of mobile subscribers, on the capacity of the equipment, on the organization of the network, etc. For example, the HSS 124 can provide support for routing/roaming, authentication, authorization, naming/addressing resolution, location dependencies, etc.

[0040] The S-GW 122 may terminate the SI interface 113 towards the RAN 110, and routes data packets between the RAN 110 and the CN 120. In addition, the S-GW 122 may be a local mobility anchor point for inter-RAN node handovers and also may provide an anchor for inter-3 GPP mobility. Other responsibilities of the S-GW 122 may include a lawful intercept, charging, and some policy enforcement.

[0041] The P-GW 123 may terminate an SGi interface toward a PDN. The P-GW 123 may route data packets between the EPC network 120 and external networks such as a network including the application server 184 (alternatively referred to as application function (AF)) via an Internet Protocol (IP) interface 125. The P-GW 123 can also communicate data to other external networks 131 A, which can include the Internet, IP multimedia subsystem (IPS) network, and other networks. Generally, the application server 184 may be an element offering applications that use IP bearer resources with the core network (e.g., UNITS Packet Services (PS) domain, LTE PS data services, etc.). In this aspect, the P-GW 123 is shown to be communicatively coupled to an application server 184 via an IP interface 125. The application server 184 can also be configuredtosupportoneormorecommunicationservices(e.g.,Voice-over-IntemetProtocol(VoIP)sessions,PTTsessions,groupcommunicationsessions,socialnctvvorkingservices,etc.)fortheUEs101 and102viatheCN 120. [0042] TheP-GW123mayfurtherbeanodeforpolicyenforcementandchargingdatacollection.PolicyandChargingRulesFunction(PCRF)126isthepolicyandchargingcontrolelementoftheCN120.Inanon-roamingscenario,insomeembodiments,theremaybeasinglePCRFintheHomePublicLandMobileNetwork(HPLMN)associatedwithaUE'sInternetProtocolConnectivityAccessNetwork(IP-CAN)session.Inaroamingscenariowithalocalbreakoutoftraffic,theremaybetwoPCRFsassociatedwithaUE’sIP-CANsession:aHomePCRF(H-PCRF)withinanHPLMNandaVisitedPCRF(V-PCRF)withinaVisitedPublicLandMobileNetwork(VPLMN).ThePCRF126maybecommunicativelycoupledtotheapplicationserver184viatheP~GW 123. [0043] Insomeembodiments,thecommunicationnetwork140AcanbeanloTnetworkora5Gnetwork,including5Gnewradionetworkusingcommunicationsinthelicensed(5GNR)andtheunlicensed(5GNR-U)spectrum.OneofthecurrentenablersofloTisthenanowband-IoT(NB-IoT). [0044] AnNGsystemarchitecturecanincludetheRAN110anda5Gnetworkcore(5GC) 120.TheNG-RAN 110canincludeapluralityofnodes,suchasgNBsandNG-eNBs.Thecorenetwork120(e.g.,a5Gcorenetworkor5GC)canincludeanaccessandmobilityfunction(AMF)and/orauserplanefunction(UPF).TheAMFandtheUPFcanbecommunicativelycoupledtothegNBsandtheNG-eNBsviaNGinterfaces.Morespecifically,insomeembodiments,thegNBsandtheNG-eNBscanbeconnectedtotheAMFbyNG-Cinterfaces,andtotheUPFbyNG-Uinterfaces.ThegNBsandtheNG-eNBscanbecoupledtoeachotherviaXninterfaces. [0045] Insomeembodiments,theNGsystemarchitecturecanusereferencepointsbetweenvariousnodesasprovidedby3GPPTechnicalSpecification(TS)23.501 (e.g.,V15.4.0,2018-12).Insomeembodiments,eachofthegNBsandtheNG-eNBscanbeimplementedasabasestation,amobileedgeserver,asmallcell,ahomeeNB,andsoforth.Insomeembodiments,a gNB can be a master node (MN) and NG-eNB can be a secondary node (SN) m a 5G architecture.

[0046] FIG. IB illustrates a non-roaming 5G system architecture in accordance with some embodiments. Referring to FIG. IB, there is illustrated a 5G system architecture MOB in a reference point representation. More specifically, UE 102 can be in communication with RAN 110 as well as one or more other 5G core (5GC) network entities. The 5G system architecture MOB includes a plurality of network functions (NFs), such as access and mobility management function (AMF) 132, session management function (SMF) 136, policy control function (PCF) 148, application function (AF) 150, user plane function (UPF) 134, network slice selection function (NSSF) 142, authentication server function (AUSF) 144, and unified data management (UDM)Zhome subscriber server (HSS) 146. The UPF 134 can provide a connection to a data network (DN) 152, which can include, for example, operator sendees, Internet access, or third-party sendees. The AMF 132 can be used to manage access control and mobility and can also include network slice selection functionality. The SMF 136 can be configured to set up and manage various sessions according to network policy. The UPF 134 can be deployed in one or more configurations according to the desired service type. The PCF 148 can be configured to provide a policy framework using network slicing, mobility management, and roaming (similar to PCRF in a 4G communication system). The UDM can be configured to store subscriber profiles and data (similar to an HSS in a 4G communication system).

[0047] In some embodiments, the 5G system architecture MOB includes an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) 168B as well as a plurality of IP multimedia core network subsystem entities, such as call session control functions (CSCFs). More specifically, the IMS 168B includes a CSCF, which can act as a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 162BE, a serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 164B, an emergency CSCF (E-CSCF) (not illustrated in FIG. IB), or interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 166B. The P-CSCF 162B can be configured to be the first contact point for the UE 102 within the IM subsystem (IMS) 168B. The S-CSCF 164B can be configured to handle the session states in the network, and the E-CSCF can be configured to handle certain embodiments of emergency sessions such as routing an emergency request to the correct emergency center or PSAP. The I-CSCF 166B can be configured to function as the contact point within an operator's network for all IMS connections destined to a subscriber of that network operator, or a roaming subscriber currently located within that network operator’s service area. In some embodiments, the I-CSCF 166B can be connected to another IP multimedia network 170E, e.g., an IMS operated by a different network operator.

[0048] In some embodiments, the UDM/HSS 146 can be coupled to an application server 160E, which can include a telephony application server (TAS) or another application server (AS). The AS 160B can be coupled to the IMS 168B via the S-CSCF 164B or the I-CSCF 166B.

[0049] A reference point representation shows that interaction can exist between corresponding NF services. For example, FIG. IB illustrates the following reference points: N1 (between the UE 102 and the AMF 132), N2 (between the RAN 110 and the AMF 132), N3 (between the RAN 110 and the UPF 134), N4 (between the SMF 136 and the UPF 134), N5 (between the PCF 148 and the AF 150, not shown), N6 (between the UPF 134 and the DN 152), N7 (between the SMF 136 and the PCF 148, not shown), N8 (between the UDM 146 and the AMF 132, not shown), N9 (between two UPFs 134, not shown), N10 (between the UDM 146 and the SMF 136, not shown), Nil (between the AMF 132 and the SMF 136, not shown), N12 (between the AUSF 144 and the AMF 132, not show), N13 (between the AUSF 144 and the UDM 146, not shown), N14 (between two AMFs 132, not shown), N15 (between the PCF 148 and the AMF 132 in case of a non-roaming scenario, or between the PCF 148 and a visited network and AMF 132 in case of a roaming scenario, not shown), N16 (between two SMFs, not shown), and N22 (between AMF 132 and NSSF 142, not shown). Other reference point representations not shown in FIG. IB can also be used.

[0050] FIG. 1C illustrates a 5G system architecture 140C and a service- based representation. In addition to the network entities illustrated in FIG. IB, system architecture 140C can also include a network exposure function (NEF) 154 and a network repository function (NRF) 156. In some embodiments, 5G system architectures can be service-based and interaction between network functions can be represented by corresponding pomt-to-point reference points Ni or as service-based interfaces,

[0051] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, service-based representations can be used to represent network functions within the control plane that enable other authorized network functions to access their services. In this regard, 5G system architecture 140C can include the following service-based interfaces: Namf 158H (a service-based interface exhibited by the AMF 132), Nsmf 1581 (a service-based interface exhibited by the SMF 136), Nnef 158B (a service-based interface exhibited by the NEF 154), Npcf 158D (a service-based interface exhibited by the PCF 148), a Nudm 158E (a service-based interface exhibited by the UDM 146), Naf 158F (a service-based interface exhibited by the AF 150), Nnrf 158C (a service-based interface exhibited by the NRF 156), Nnssf 158A (a service-based interface exhibited by the NSSF 142), Nausf 158G (a service-based interface exhibited by the AUSF 144). Other service -based interfaces (e.g., Nudr, N5g-eir, and Nudsf) not shown in FIG. 1C can also be used.

[0052] In some embodiments, any of the UEs or base stations described in connection with FIGS. 1A-1C can be configured to perform the functionalities described herein.

[0053] Mobile communication has evolved significantly from early voice systems to today’s highly sophisticated integrated communication platform. The next generation wireless communication system, 5G, or new radio (NR) will provide access to information and sharing of data anywhere, anytime by various users and applications. NR is expected to be a unified network/system that targets to meet vastly different and sometimes conflicting performance dimensions and sendees. Such diverse multi-dimensional requirements are driven by different services and applications. In general, NR will evolve based on 3GPP LTE-Advanced with additional potential new Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to enrich people's lives with better, simple, and seamless wireless connectivity solutions. NR will enable everything connected by wireless and deliver fast, rich content and sendees.

[0054] Some embodiments are directed to the use of separate or independent gap patterns for positioning reference signal (PRS) signal measurement. FIG. 2 illustrates the use of one or more measurement gap patterns in accordance with some embodiments. The measurement gap configuration (MeasGapConfig) information element (IE) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be used to indicate a new measurement gap configuration and may be used configure a UE with a single measurement gap pattern or may be used to configure a UE with more than one measurement gap pattern.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram of a wireless communication device, in accordance with some embodiments. Wireless communication device 400 may be suitable for use as a UE or gNB configured for operation in a 5G NR. network. The communication device 400 may be suitable for use as a handheld device, a mobile device, a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a tablet, a netbook, a wireless terminal, a laptop computer, a wearable computer device, a femtocell, a high data rate (HDR) subscriber device, an access point, an access terminal, or other personal communication system (PCS) device.

[0056] The communication device 400 may include communications circuitry 402 and a transceiver 410 for transmiting and receiving signals to and from other communication devices using one or more antennas 401. The communications circuitry 402 may include circuitry that can operate the physical layer (PHY) communications and/or medium access control (MAC) communications for controlling access to the wireless medium, and/or any other communications layers for transmiting and receiving signals. The communication device 400 may also include processing circuitry 406 and memory 408 arranged to perform the operations described herein. In some embodiments, the communications circuitry 402 and the processing circuitry 406 may be configured to perform operations detailed in the above figures, diagrams, and flows.

[0057] In accordance with some embodiments, the communications circuitry 402 may be arranged to contend for a wireless medium and configure frames or packets for communicating over the wireless medium. The communications circuitry 402 may be arranged to transmit and receive signals. The communications circuitry 402 may also include circuitry for modulation/demodulation, upconversion/downconversion, filtering, amplification, etc. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 406 of the communication device 400 may include one or more processors. In other embodiments, two or more antennas 401 maybe coupled to the communications circuitry 402 arranged for sending and receiving signals. The memory 408 may store information for configuring the processing circuitry 406 to perform operations for configuring and transmiting message frames and performing the various operations described herein. The memory 408 may include any type of memory, including non-transitory memory, for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, the memory 408 may include a computer-readable storage device, read-only memory (ROM), random- access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash-memory devices and other storage devices and media.

[0058] In some embodiments, the communication device 400 may be part of a portable wireless communication device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop or portable computer with wireless communication capability, a web tablet, a wireless telephone, a smartphone, a wireless headset, a pager, an instant messaging device, a digital camera, an access point, a television, a medical device (e.g., a heart rate monitor, a blood pressure monitor, etc.), a wearable computer device, or another device that may receive and/or transmit information wirelessly.

[0059] In some embodiments, the communication device 400 may include one or more antennas 401. The antennas 401 may include one or more directional or omnidirectional antennas, including, for example, dipole antennas, monopole antennas, patch antennas, loop antennas, microstrip antennas, or other types of antennas suitable for transmission of RF signals. In some embodiments, instead of two or more antennas, a single antenna with multiple apertures may be used. In these embodiments, each aperture may be considered a separate antenna. In some multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) embodiments, the antennas may be effectively separated for spatial diversity and the different channel characteristics that may result between each of the antennas and the antennas of a transmitting device.

[0060] In some embodiments, the communication device 400 may include one or more of a keyboard, a display, a non-volatile memory port, multiple antennas, a graphics processor, an application processor, speakers, and other mobile device elements. The display may be an LCD screen including a touch screen.

[0061] Although the communication device 400 is illustrated as having several separate functional elements, two or more of the functional elements may be combined and may be implemented by combinations of software-configured elements, such as processing elements including digital signal processors (DSPs), and/or other hardware elements. For example, some elements may include one or more microprocessors, DSPs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) and combinations of various hardware and logic circuitry for performing at least the functions described herein. In some embodiments, the functional elements of the communication device 400 may refer to one or more processes operating on one or more processing elements. [0062] FIG. 5 illustrates an example message exchange between a UE and a network via a gNB, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the UE may send a capabilities information message indicating whether or not the UE is capabl e of supporting multiple concurrent measurement gap (MG) configurations as described herein. This may be in response to a capability enquiry from the network, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. In response to the capabilities information message, the network may configure the UE with two or more MG configurations when the UE has indicated a capability to support multiple concurrent MG configurations. [0063] Embodiments herein provide techniques to define UE capability on the maximum number of gap instances of multiple concurrent gap patern. In NR R15/R16, only one MG pattern can be configured per-UE or per-FR (subject to capability). A UE will have to share the same measurement gap pattern for all measurements resulting in longer measurement delays. Moreover, with additional features and enhancements in NR requiring gap-based measurements, even more measurements will compete for the same measurement gap pattern. , Furthermore, the reference signal used by UE for measurements are typically of different nature and periodicity (e.g., CSI-RS, SSB, PRS,...) which makes it difficult for NW to align them in time so they can be shared with the same gap patern. To address diverse measurement requirements using same or different reference signals, both NW and UE can significantly benefit from multiple (or at least two) independent MG patterns.” Such enhancements can enable UE can use the multiple independent gaps for the measurement which can be located in a same one measurement period. This is benefit to shorten the total measurement delay. However it shall be noted that whether and how many concurrent gap paterns supported by UE shall be completely up to UE themselves.

[0064] Observation 1. Whether and how many concurrent gap paterns supported by UE shall be completely up to UE themselves.

[0065] Therefore, the basic capability of UE to support this aspect shall be defined in RAN4.

[0066] Proposal 1: The nsmber of support concurrent gap patterns can be also defined as one ofUE capabilities.

[0067] On the other hand, it shall be noted that this is two-fold issue. The unscheduled data within a gap may reduce the system efficiency. In order to balance the measurement, delay and the system capacity', the maximum number of concurrent multiple gap paterns configured within a period shall be limited.

[0068] Observation 2. In order to balance the measurement delay and the system capacity, the number of concurrent multiple gap paterns configured within a period shall be limited.

[0069] For an example, too many measurement gaps configured within a specific period will introduce too low system capacity. Regarding to the maximum ML for all configured MGs is less than 6ms and the maximum ratio without the data scheduling is about [20%] , there are several alternatives to restrict the number of gaps for the concurrent measurements within a MGRP.

[0079] Option J;:

[0071] When max(MGRPi) >80, the number can be 4

[0072] When max(MGRPi) <^:=^:80, the number can be 2, ratio wo data scheduling = 2*6/80

[0073] Option 2:

[0074] The total number of gap patterns shall be subjected the following conditions.

[0075] X * max(MGLi)/LCM(MGRPi,) <[20%] [0076] Option 3 : Static number (e.g. 2)

[0077] Embodiment 1;-.

[0078] How to define the limitation of the total concurrent gap patterns active can be dependent on the MGL and MGRP UP- to be configured within a specific duration. For example, the total duration may be max(MGRPi) or LCM(MGRPi), where i =(1 , . .. , total number of gap instances ). Max() refers to the maximum value, while LCMQ refers to the least common multiple.

[0079] Embodiment 2;

[0080] The total number of gap paterns may be a static (e.g., predefined) number, such as 2 or another suitable number. measConcwrentGapConfig :≡~ sequence

{ messIndiviusIGupCimfis 1 ;; =

{ measType::≡ SSB measurement

{ measIndiviualGapConfi g 2 ;; ≡

{ measType:≡** CSI-RS measurement

{

[0081] FIG. 6 illustrates a procedure 600 performed by a generation Node B (gNB) for configuration a user equipment (UE) with two or more independent measurement gap (MG) patterns. In operation 602, the gNB may decode a capabilities information message from a user equipment (UE). The capabilities information message indicating whether [or not] the UE is capable of supporting multiple concurrent measurement gaps (MGs). In operation 604, the gNB may encode signalling to configure the UE with two or more MGs when the UE has indicated a capability to support multiple concurrent MGs.

[0082] EXAMPLES [0083] Example 1 may include a method to define UE measurement capability, wherein the number of gap instances of a concurrent multiple gap pattern within a period shall be limited.

[0084J Example 2 may include the method of example 1 or some other example, wherein the total concurrent gap patterns active can be dependent on the MGL and MGRP UE to be configured within a specific duration.

[0085] Example 3 may include the method of example 2 or some other example herein, wherein the upbound of the ratio of the unscheduled data within a specific duration shall be defined.

[0086] Example 4 may include the method of example 2 or some other example herein, wherein the specific duration can be max(MGRPi). MGRPi is the measurement gap period of ith measurement gap instance.

[0087] Example 5 may include the method of example 2 or some other example herein, wherein the specific duration can he LCM(MGRPi). MGRPi is the measurement gap period of ith measurement gap instance.

[0088] Example 6 may include the method of example 1 or some other example herein, wherein the total concurrent gap paterns active can be statically defined.

[0089] Example 7 may include the method of example 6 or some other example herein, wherein the static number can be up to the total types of measurements.

[0090] Example 8 may include a method comprising: detennining a maximum number of concurrent measurement gap patterns supported by a user equipment (UE); and configuring multiple concurrent measurement gap patterns for the UE based on the determined maximum number.

[0991] Example 9 may include the method of example 8 or some other example herein, wherein the maximum number is based on a measurement gap length (MGL) or a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) of the configured measurement gap paterns.

[0092] Example 10 may include the method of example 9 or some other example herein, wherein a maximum total duration of the concurrent measurement gap paterns is max(MGRPi), wherein MGRPi is the measurement gap repetition period of ith measurement gap instance. [0093] Example 11 may include the method of example 9 or some other example herein, wherein a maximum total duration is LCM(MGRPi), wherein LCMQ is a least common multiple and wherein MGRPi is the measurement gap repetition period of ith measurement gap instance.

[0094] Example 12 may include the method of example 8- 11 or some other example herein, wherein the multiple concurrent measurement gap paterns are configured based on a ratio of unscheduled data within a time period.

[009S] Example 13 may include the method of example 8 or some other example herein, wherein the maximum number is statically defined.

[0096] Example 14 may include the method of example 13 or some other example herein, wherein the maximum number is up to a number of types of measurements to be performed by the UE using the measurement gap patterns.

[0097] Example 15 may include the method of example 8- 14 or some other example herein, wherein the configuring includes sending configuration information to the UE.

[0098] Example 16 may include the method of example 8- 15 or some other example herein, wherein the maximum number is determined based on UE capability information received from the UE.

[0099] Example 17 may include the method of example 8- 16 or some other example herein, wherein the method is performed by a next generation Node B (gNB) or a portion thereof.

[00100] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus of a generation node B (gNB), the apparatus comprising: processing circuitry; and memory, the processing circuitry configured to: decode a capabilities information message from a user equipment (UE), the capabilities information message indicating whether the UE is capable of supporting multiple concurrent measurement gaps (MGs); and encode signalling to configure the UE with two or more MGs when the UE has indicated a capability to support multiple concurrent MGs, wherein the two or more MGs comprise, respectively, two or more independent MG paterns that are to be concurrently activated for the UE, wherein the memory is configured to store the capabilities information message.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to determine: a number of the independent MG patterns to be used for UE measurements on other frequency layers; and a data-scheduling restriction.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the two or more independent MG patterns has a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) and a measurement gap length (MGL), and wherein the processing circuitry is configured to determine a maximum number of independent MG patterns to activate for the UE based on the MGRP and the MGL of each of the independent MG patterns.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the maximum number of independent MG patterns to activate for the UE is based on an overhead ratio, the overhead ratio based on a total length of the MGLs of activated independent MG patterns within a predetermined duration.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the overhead ratio is based on whether or not data is scheduled for delivery for the UE, and wherein the overhead ratio is less than a maximum predetermined percentage.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the predetermined duration is based on a least common multiple (LCM) of the MGRP of all of the two or more independent MG patterns that are to be activated for the UE.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a maximum number of independent MG patterns to activate for the UE is predetermined.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the number of independent MG to activate for the UE is based on a number of types of objects to be measured by the UE.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one of the independent MG patterns that are to be activated for the UE is activated for measurement of positioning reference signals (PRS), and at least another one of the independent MG patterns that are to be activated for the UE is activated radio-resource management (RRM).

10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the capabilities information message further indicates a number of the multiple concurrent MGs that the UE is capable of supporting.

11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to encode a capability enquire message for transmission to the UE to request whether the UE is capable of supporting multiple concurrent MGs.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the signalling to configure the UE with two or more MGs comprises a MeasGapConfig information element (IE).

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signalling to configure the UE with two or more MGs comprises a measConcurrentGapConfig information element (IE).

14. An apparatus of a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising: processing circuitry; and memory, the processing circuitry configured to: encode a capabilities information message for transmission to a generation node B (gNB), the capabilities information message indicating that the UE is capable of supporting multiple concurrent measurement gaps (MGs); and decode signalling from the gNB to configure the UE with two or more MGs when the UE has indicated a capability to support multiple concurrent MGs, wherein the two or more MGs comprise, respectively, two or more independent MG patterns that are to be concurrently activated for the UE, wherein the memory is configured to store the capabilities information message.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the number of independent MG patterns for the UE is based on: a number of the independent MG paterns to be used for UE measurements on other frequency layers; and a data-scheduling restriction.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein each of the two or more independent MG paterns has a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) and a measurement gap length (MGL), and wherein a maximum number of independent MG patterns to activate for the UE is based on the MGRP and the MGL of each of the independent MG patterns.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the maximum number of independent MG patterns that are activated for the UE is based on an overhead ratio, the overhead ratio based on a total length of the MGLs of activated independent MG patterns within a predetermined duration.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the overhead ratio is based on whether or not data is scheduled for delivery for the UE, and wherein the overhead ratio is less than a maximum predetermined percentage.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for execution by processing circuitry of a generation node B (gNB), wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: decode a capabilities information message from a user equipment (UE), the capabilities information message indicating whether the UE is capable of supporting multiple concurrent measurement gaps (MGs); and encode signalling to configure the UE. with two or more MGs when the UE- has indicated a capability to support multiple concurrent MGs, wherein the two or more MGs comprise, respectively, two or more independent MG patterns that are to be concurrently activated for the UE, wherein the memory is configured to store the capabilities information message,

20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to determine: a num ber of the independent MG patterns to be used for UE measurements on other frequency layers; and a data-scheduling restriction, wherein each of the two or more independent MG paterns has a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) and a measurement gap length (MGL), and wherein the processing circuitry is configured to determine a maximum number of indqsendent MG patterns to activate for the UE based on the MGRP and the MGL of each of the independent MG patterns.