WO2018228038A1

WO2018228038A1 - Methods and apparatus for radio resource measurement in wireless communication systems

Info

Publication number: WO2018228038A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/082764
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jari Jaakko ISOKANGAS; Ning Yang
Original assignee: Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd.
Priority date: 2017-06-14
Filing date: 2018-04-12
Publication date: 2018-12-20
Also published as: CN109952780B; CN112867056A; CN109952780A

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for radio resource measurement at a user device in a wireless communication system, the method including obtaining a radio resource measurement (RRM) configuration, triggering a measurement based on the RRM configuration, and sending a result of the measurement to a base station (BS). The user device and the BS are configured to operate together in one of states including: an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and a connected or active state. The RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR RADIO RESOURCE MEASUREMENT IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of priority to United States Provisional Application No. 62/519,311, filed on June 14, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to communication systems, and more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for radio resource measurement in wireless communication systems.

BACKGROUND

In a mobile communication network, data is transmitted via short packet transmission sessions between user equipment (UE) and the mobile communication network. A short packet transmission session contains only few hundreds of kilobytes of data. Before starting the data transmission with the UE, the network needs to configure radio resources for the UE. To configure the required radio resources and relevant bearers, the network needs certain measurement results from the UE to determine a cell or evolved node B (eNB) that will serve the UE for the data transmission.

However, when the UE does not have data to transmit or receive, the UE may not measure or may make measurements that are inapplicable for the network to determine the serving cell or eNB. For example, in a long-term evolution (LTE) radio access system, before a UE needs to receive or transmit data, the UE is an IDLE state. The UE in the IDLE state may perform some measurements for IDLE-state mobility management, such as UE autonomous cell selection and reselection. Measurement results for the IDLE-state mobility management are inaccurate and inapplicable to the LTE radio access system and its network in determining a serving cell or eNB for data transmission.

When a need for data transmission arises, the network needs to configure a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the UE, and configure the UE to perform accurate measurements through the RRC connection. The UE is usually required to measure its surrounding cells for several hundreds of milliseconds and sends measurement results to its serving eNB. The serving eNB can then adjust and optimize radio bearer configuration for the data transmission between the UE and the network in accordance with these accurate measurement results. In other words, there exists a time delay starting from the need for the data transmission to configuring an optimized radio bearer configuration. Such time delay causes either transmission delay or inefficient transmission.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present application provide improved methods and apparatus for radio resource measurement in a wireless communication system.

These embodiments include a method for radio resource measurement by a user device in a wireless communication system. The method includes obtaining a radio resource measurement (RRM) configuration; triggering a measurement based on the RRM configuration; and sending a result of the measurement to a BS. The user device and the BS are configured to operate together in one of states including: an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and a connected or active state. The RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.

These embodiments also include a method of a base station (BS) for radio resource measurement at a user device in a wireless communication system. The method includes receiving an indication from the user device, wherein the indication indicates an RRM configuration; and receiving a result of a measurement based on the RRM configuration from the user device. The user device and the BS are configured to operate together in one of states including: an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and a connected or active state. The RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.

These embodiments further include a method of a base station (BS) for radio resource measurement at a user device in a wireless communication system. The method includes sending an RRM configuration to the user device; and receiving a result of a measurement based on the RRM configuration from the user device. The user device and a BS are configured to operate together in one of states including: an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and a connected or active state. The RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.

These embodiments also include a user device for radio resource measurement in a wireless communication system. The user device includes a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to cause the user device to: obtain an RRM configuration; trigger a measurement based on the RRM configuration; and send a result of the measurement to a base station (BS) . The user device and the BS are configured to operate together in one of states including: an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and a connected or active state. The RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.

These embodiments also include network apparatus for radio resource management of a user device in a wireless communication system. The network apparatus includes a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to: receive an indication from the user device, wherein the indication indicates an RRM configuration; and receive a result of a measurement based on the RRM configuration from the user device. The user device and the network apparatus are configured to operate together in one of states including: an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and a connected or active state. The RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.

These embodiments further include network apparatus for radio resource management of a user device in a wireless communication system. The network apparatus includes a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to: send an RRM configuration to the user device; and receive a result of a measurement based on the RRM configuration from the user device. The user device and the network apparatus are configured to operate together in one of states including: an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and a connected or active state. The RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.

These embodiments also include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that are executable by one or more processors of an apparatus to perform a method for radio resource management in a wireless communication system. The method includes obtaining an RRM configuration; triggering a measurement based on the RRM configuration; and sending a result of the measurement to a BS. The apparatus and the BS are configured to operate together in one of states including: an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and a connected or active state. The RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.

These embodiments further include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that are executable by one or more processors of an apparatus to perform a method for radio resource management in a wireless communication system. The method includes receiving an indication from a user device, wherein the indication indicates an RRM configuration; and receiving a result of a measurement based on the RRM configuration from the user device. The user device and the apparatus are configured to operate in one of states including: an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and a connected or active state. The RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.

These embodiments also include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that are executable by one or more processors of an apparatus to perform a method for radio resource management in a wireless communication system. The method includes sending a radio resource measurement (RRM) configuration to a user device; and receiving a result of a measurement based on the RRM configuration from the user device. The user device and the apparatus are configured to operate together in one of states including: an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and a connected or active state. The RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary scenario of a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary scenario of two wireless communication systems, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 3A is an exemplary state diagram of a user device in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 3B is an exemplary state diagram of a user device between two wireless communication systems, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 4A is an exemplary state diagram of a base station in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 4B is an exemplary state diagram of base stations in two wireless communication systems, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in a connected or active state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in an idle, inactive, or suspended state of a user device in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in an idle, inactive, or suspended state of a base station in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user device for radio resource measurement in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network apparatus for radio resource measurement in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings in which the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise represented. The implementations set forth in the following description of exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with the invention. Instead, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with aspects related to the invention as recited in the appended claims.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary scenario of a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. The wireless communication system includes a base station 120, a user device 140, and a user device 160. Base station 120 is an end node of a wireless communication network. For example, base station 120 may be an evolved node B (eNB) in an LTE radio access system or a fifth generation (5G) node B (gNB) in a 5G radio access system. Base station 120 transmits radio signals carrying system information of the wireless communication system. A user device within a new radio (NR) coverage 180 around base station 120 receives the system information. For example, user device 140 within NR coverage 180 receives the system information, and can access network services through base station 120.

Each of user devices 140 and 160 is a mobile terminal in the wireless communication network. For example, user device 140 or 160 may be a smart phone, a network interface card, or a machine type terminal. As another example, user device 140 or 160 may be user equipment in the LTE radio access system or the 5G radio access system. Each of user devices 140 and 160 and base station 120 contains communication unit that can transmit and receive radio signals. The following description discusses aspect of operating user device 140 in the wireless communication system, it being understood that such description also applies to user device 160.

When user device 140 intends to access network services through base station 120, user device 140 may need to receive control signals from base station 120 to collect system information within NR coverage 180, such as synchronization and radio resource allocation and schedule. For example, user device 140 in the 5G radio access system may need to receive a PDCCH to learn whether any data in a physical downlink shared channel is transmitted to user device 140. Accordingly, user device 140 needs to detect a PDCCH among signals transmitted by base station 120.

A 5G radio access system, for example, uses OFDM waveform for wireless communications. As in the existing LTE radio access sytem, communications are measured in time frames, each frame being divided into slots, and each slot containing multiple OFDM symbols each spanning over multiple frequency subcarriers. Resources are defined in time (OFDM symbols) and frequency (subcarriers) .

Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary scenario of two wireless communication systems, according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in Fig. 2, user device 140 can be within coverage of two wireless communication systems. For example, base station 120 is a gNB of the 5G radio access system, and NR coverage 180 of base station 120 is a range of the 5G radio access system. In another aspect, a base station 122 is an eNB of the LTE radio access sytem, and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) coverage 185 of base station 122 is a range of the LTE radio access system. User device 140 is at a position where it can access both the 5G radio access system and the LTE radio access system.

Fig. 3A is an exemplary state diagram of a user device in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. When the user device is in the wireless communication system, its RRC states can include an idle state, an inactive state, and a connected state.

For example, as shown in Fig. 3A, user device 140 in the 5G system can be in an NR RRC IDLE 320, an NR RRC INACTIVE 340, or an NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state. User device 140 initially operates in NR RRC IDLE 320 state. When user device 140 needs to transmit or receive data through the 5G radio access system, base station 120 establishes an RRC connection between user device 140 and base station 120. User device 140 enters NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state after the RRC connection is built up. After user device 140 transmits or receives its data, user device 140 releases the RRC connection and returns to NR RRC IDLE 320 state.

In some embodiments, user device 140 can inactivate the RRC connection and enter NR RRC INACTIVE 340 state. When user device 140 needs to transmit or receive data again, user device 140 can re-enter NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state and transmit or receive data through base station 120. While user device 140 is in NR RRC INACTIVE 340 state and there is no need to resume the inactivated RRC connection, user device 140 alternatively returns to NR RRC IDLE 320 state. User device 140 may not store information about the previous RRC connection after it returns to NR RRC IDLE 320 state.

Fig. 3B is an exemplary state diagram of a user device between two wireless communication systems, according to some embodiments of the present application. When the user device is at a position where it can access two wireless communication systems, its RRC states in a first wireless communication system can include an idle state, an inactive state, and a connected state, and its RRC states in a second wireless communication system can include an idle state and a connected state.

For example, as shown in Fig. 3B, user device 140 in the 5G system can be in NR RRC IDLE 320, NR RRC INACTIVE 340, or NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state. User device 140 operates between these states as described above with respect to Fig. 3A. In another aspect, user device 140 in the E-UTRA system can be in an E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310 or an E-UTRA RRC CONNECTED 350 state. User device 140 in the E-UTRA coverage initially operates in E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310 state. When user device 140 needs to transmit or receive data through the LTE radio access system, base station 122 establishes an RRC connection between user device 140 and the LTE base station. User device 140 enters E-UTRA RRC CONNECTED 350 state after the RRC connection is established. After user device 140 transmits or receives its data, user device 140 releases the RRC connection and returns to E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310 state.

In some embodiments, user device 140 can change its connections between two wireless communication systems, i.e., a handover procedure. For example, as shown in Fig. 3B, when user device 140 is in NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state, and a criterion is met, user device 140 can change its connection from the 5G radio access system to the LTE radio access system. User device 140 leaves NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state and enters E-UTRA RRC CONNECTED 350 state. The criterion includes, for example, the received radio signal from the LTE radio access system is better than that from the 5G radio access system. Alternatively, user device 140 can change its connection from the LTE radio access system to the 5G radio access system. Thus, user device 140 leaves E-UTRA RRC CONNECTED 350 state and enters NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state.

In some embodiments, the user device changes between two wireless communication systems when the user device does not have an RRC connection, i.e., a reselection procedure. For example, as shown in Fig. 3B, when user device 140 is in NR RRC IDLE 320 state, and a criterion is met, user device 140 can change from the 5G radio access system to the LTE radio access system. User device 140 leaves NR RRC IDLE 320 state and enters E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310 state. The criterion includes, for example, that user device 140 receives a signal from the 5G radio access system that has signal strength lower than a threshold and receives another signal from the LTE radio access system that has signal strength higher than that from the 5G radio access system.

As another example, as shown in Fig. 3B, when user device 140 is in NR RRC INACTIVE 340 state, and a criterion is met, user device 140 can change from the 5G radio access system to the LTE radio access system. User device 140 leaves NR RRC INACTIVE 340 state and enters E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310 state. The criterion includes, for example, that user device 140 receives a signal from the 5G radio access system that has signal strength lower than a threshold and receives another signal from the LTE radio access system that has signal strength higher than that from the 5G radio access system.

Fig. 4A is an exemplary state diagram of a base station in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. When a user device is in the wireless communication system, the base station’s RRC states can include an idle state, an inactive state, and a connected state.

For example, as shown in Fig. 4A, base station 120 in the 5G system can be in an NR RRC IDLE 420, an NR RRC INACTIVE 440, or an NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state. Before user device 140 needs an RRC connection, base station 120 may not have any NR RRC states corresponding to user device 140. After user device 140 needs the RRC connection, base station 120 enters NR RRC IDLE state and starts to establish the RRC connection between user device 140 and base station 120. Base station 120 enters NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state after the RRC connection is established. After user device 140 transmits or receives its data, base station 120 releases the RRC connection and returns to NR RRC IDLE 420 state.

In some embodiments, base station 120 can inactivate the RRC connection and enter NR RRC INACTIVE 440 state. When user device 140 needs to transmit or receive data again, base station 120 can re-enter NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state and receive data from or transmit data to user device 140. While base station 120 is in NR RRC INACTIVE 440 state and there is no need to resume the inactivated RRC connection, base station 120 alternatively returns to NR RRC IDLE 420 state. Base station 120 may not store information about the previous RRC connection after it returns NR RRC IDLE 420 state.

Fig. 4B is an exemplary state diagram of base stations in two wireless communication systems, according to some embodiments of the present application. When the user device is at a position where it can access two wireless communication systems, a base station’s RRC states in a first wireless communication system can include an idle state, an inactive state, and a connected state, and another base station’s RRC states in a second wireless communication system can include an idle state and a connected state.

For example, as shown in Fig. 4B, base station 120 in the 5G system can be in NR RRC IDLE 420, NR RRC INACTIVE 440, or NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state. Base station 120 operates between these states as described above with respect to Fig. 4A. In another aspect, base station 122 in the E-UTRA system can be in an E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 or an E-UTRA RRC CONNECTED 450 state. Before user device 140 needs an RRC connection in the E-UTRA system, base station 122 may not have any E-UTRA RRC states corresponding to user device 140. After user device 140 needs the RRC connection, the base station enters E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 state and starts to establish the RRC connection between user device 140 and the base station. The base station enters E-UTRA RRC CONNECTED 450 state after the RRC connection is established. After user device 140 transmits or receives its data, the base station releases the RRC connection and returns to E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 state.

In some embodiments, when the user device has an RRC connection, the user device can change its connections between two wireless communication systems, i.e., a handover procedure. For example, as shown in Fig. 4B, when base station 120 is in NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state, and a criterion is met, user device 140 changes its connection from the 5G radio access system to the LTE radio access system. Base station 120 leaves NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state and enters NR RRC IDLE 420 state. In another aspect, when user device 140 changes its RRC connection to the E-UTRA network, base station 122 starts a handover procedure and enters E-UTRA RRC CONNECTED 450 state. The criterion includes, for example, the received radio signal from the LTE radio access system has stronger signal strength than that from the 5G radio access system.

Alternatively, user device 140 can change its connection from the LTE radio access system to the 5G radio access system. Thus, base station 122 leaves E-UTRA RRC CONNECTED 450 state and enters E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 state. In another aspect, when user device 140 changes its RRC connection to the 5G radio network, base station 120 starts a handover procedure and enters NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state.

In some embodiments, when the user device does not have an RRC connection with either base station 120 or base station 122, the user device can change between two wireless communication systems, i.e., a reselection procedure. For example, as shown in Fig. 4B, when base station 120 is in NR RRC IDLE 420 state, and a criterion is met, user device 140 can change from the 5G radio access system to the LTE radio access system. Base station 120 may either enter NR RRC IDLE 420 state or may not keep any information about the previous RRC connection. When user device changes to the LTE radio access system, base station 122 enters E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 state when user device 140 enters E-UTRA IDLE 310 state shown Fig. 3B. The criterion includes, for example, that user device 140 receives a signal from the 5G radio access system that has lower signal strength than a threshold and receives another signal from the LTE radio access system that has stronger signal strength than that from the 5G radio access system. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4B, user device 140 can change from the LTE radio access system to the 5G radio access system through a similar reselection procedure. Base station 122 and base station 120 change their states similarly.

As another example, as shown in Fig. 4B, when base station 120 is in NR RRC INACTIVE 440 state, and a criterion is met, user device 140 can change from the 5G radio access system to the LTE radio access system. Base station 120 may either enter NR RRC IDLE 420 state or may not keep any information about the previous RRC connection. Base station 122 enters E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 state when user device 140 enters E-UTRA IDLE 310 state shown Fig. 3B. The criterion includes, for example, that user device 140 receives a signal from the 5G radio access system that has signal strength lower than a threshold and receives another signal from the LTE radio access system that has stronger signal strength than that from the 5G radio access system.

Advanced wireless communication technologies can improve utilization of frequency bandwidth and transmission data rate. For example, a carrier aggregation (CA) technology can utilize one or more channel bandwidths at the same time in accordance with respective channel conditions thereof. A dual connectivity (DC) technology can provide two connections to one or more wireless communication systems and improve control signals and/or data transmissions through the two connections. A beamforming (BF) transmission technology can improve transmission efficiency through spatial filtering. These advanced technologies require timely, accurate measurement results on channel conditions, especially when a user device and a base station change from IDLE or INACTIVE states to CONNECTED states.

Methods disclosed herein for radio resource measurement in IDLE or INACTIVE states enhance such advanced transmission technologies, including CA, DC, and BF transmissions. Such methods activate measurements early to obtain accurate measurement results and avoid unnecessary measurements before data transmission.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in a connected or active state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in Fig. 5, base station 120 sends an RRM configuration 520 to user device 140. RRM configuration 520 is for use in an idle, inactive, or suspended state, such as NR RRC IDLE 320, NR RRC INACTIVE 340 , E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310, NR RRC IDLE 420, NR RRC INACTIVE 440 , or E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 in Fig. 3A, 3B, 4A, or 4B.

RRM configuration 520 and other RRM configurations within the scope of methods disclosed herein can include, for example, one or more of Secondary Synchronization signal or Physical Broadcast Channel Reference Signal Received Power (SS/PBCH-RSRP) , Channel Status Indicator Reference Signal Received Power (CSI-RSRP) , Secondary Synchronization, Signal Transmit power, Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) , Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) , Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) Frequency Divisional Duplex (FDD) Common Pilot Channel (CPICH) Received Signal Coded Power (RSCP) , UTRA FDD carrier Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) , UTRA FDD CPICH Ec/No, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) carrier RSSI, UTRA Time Divisional Duplex (TDD) Primary Common Control Physical Channel (P-CCPCH) RSCP, CDMA2000 Single-Carrier Radio Transmission Technology (1x RTT) Pilot Strength, CDMA2000 High Rate Packet Data (HRPD) Pilot Strength, Reference signal time difference (RSTD) , UE Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Timing of Cell Frames for UE positioning, UE GNSS code measurements, UE GNSS carrier phase measurements, UE Receive-Transmit (Rx-Tx) time difference, IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) , Multimedia Broadcast multicast service Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) , MBSFN Reference Signal Received Quality (MBSFN RSRQ) , Multicast Channel Block Error Rate (MCH BLER) , Channel Status Indicator (CSI) Reference Signal Received Power (CSI-RSRP) , Sidelink Reference Signal Received Power (S-RSRP) , Sidelink Discovery Reference Signal Received Power (SD-RSRP) , Reference signal-signal to noise and interference ratio (RS-SINR) , Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) , System Frame Number (SFN) and subframe timing difference (SSTD) , Narrowband Reference Signal Received Power (NRSRP) , Narrowband Reference Signal Received Quality (NRSRQ) , Sidelink Received Signal Strength Indicator (S-RSSI) , Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) Reference Signal Received Power (PSSCH-RSRP) , Channel busy ratio (CBR) , or Channel occupancy ratio (CR) .

User device 140 in the idle, inactive, or suspended state can trigger a measurement based on the RRM configuration. For example, user device 140 triggers a measurement 540 based on RRM configuration 520 when user device 140 has data to transmit. Alternatively, base station 120 in the idle, inactive, or suspended state can trigger the measurement based on the RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, base station 120 triggers measurement 540 based on RRM configuration 520 when there is data for user device 140 to receive.

After triggering the measurement 540, user device 140 performs measurement 560. For example, user device 140 measures all possible frequencies that can be used for CA or DC, and collects RRM results respectively. Then, use device 140 sends collected RRM results 580 to base station 120.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in Fig. 6, base station 120 and user device 140 have used an RRM configuration 620 in previous measurements or at least have both stored RRM configuration 620. Base station 120 and user device 140 implicitly determine, without further signaling therebetween, RRM configuration 620 as a default RRM configuration. RRM configuration 620 can be for use in an idle, inactive, or suspended state, such as NR RRC IDLE 320, NR RRC INACTIVE 340 , E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310, NR RRC IDLE 420, NR RRC INACTIVE 440 , or E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 in Fig. 3A, 3B, 4A, or 4B. Alternatively, RRM configuration 620 can be for use in a connected or active state, such as NR RRC CONNECTED 360, E-UTRA RRC CONNECTED 350, NR RRC CONNECTED 460 , or E-UTRA RRC CONNECTED 450 in Fig. 3A, 3B, 4A, or 4B.

User device 140 in the idle, inactive, or suspended state can trigger a measurement based on the RRM configuration. For example, user device 140 triggers a measurement 640 based on RRM configuration 620 when user device 140 has data to transmit.

After triggering the measurement 640, user device 140 perform measurement 660. For example, user device 140 measures all possible frequencies that can be used for CA or DC, and collects RRM results respectively. Then, user device 140 sends collected RRM results 680 to base station 120.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. User device 140 determines RRM configuration 720 for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state in accordance with an RRM configuration used in a previous idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, user device 140 can obtain the RRM configuration by determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a previous RRM configuration used in the previous idle, inactive, or suspended state before user device 140 enters the current idle, inactive, or suspended state. In other words, user device 140 can reuse the previous RRM configuration for use in the previous NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state to measure in the current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

As another example, user device 140 can determine the RRM configuration in accordance with an RRM configuration used in a previous connected or active state before user device 140 enters the current idle, inactive, or suspended state. In other words, user device 140 can use the previous RRM configuration for use in NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state to measure in current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, user device 140 may determine the RRM configuration in accordance with a service configuration used in a previous connected or active state before user device 140 enters the current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, user device 140 determines the RRM configuration in accordance with whether a service configuration is a short packet transmission. If the service configuration is the short packet transmission, user device 140 can use an RRM configuration used during a previous short packet transmission. If the service configuration is not the short packet transmission, user device 140 may re-use the previous RRM configuration used in NR IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

User device 140 can also determine the RRM configuration in accordance with a network environment. For example, user device 140 determines the RRM configuration in accordance with a network topology where user device 140 is located. When user device 140 is located at a position surrounded by more than ten 5G frequencies and/or LTE frequencies of wireless communication systems, user device 140 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state. When user device 140 is located at a position surrounded by more than ten 5G frequencies and/or LTE frequencies of wireless communication systems, user device 140 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC IDLE 320 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

Alternatively, user device 140 determines the RRM configuration in accordance with a speed of user device 140. For example, user device 140 determines the RRM configuration in accordance with whether user device 140 moves faster than 50 kilometers per hour. When user device 140 moves faster than 50 kilometers per hour, user device 140 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state. When user device 140 moves slower than 3 kilometers per hour, user device 140 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC IDLE 320 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

After RRM configuration determination 720, user device 140 sends an indication 730 to base station 120 before user device 140 leaves a connected or active state. For example, user device 140 sends a configuration index of the determined RRM configuration to base station 120 before user device 140 leaves NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state.

After indication of RRM configuration 730, user device 140 in the idle, inactive, or suspended state can trigger a measurement based on the RRM configuration. For example, user device 140 triggers a measurement 740 based on RRM configuration determination 720 when user device 140 has data to transmit.

After triggering the measurement 740, user device 140 performs measurement 760. For example, user device 140 measures all possible frequencies that can be used for CA or DC, and collects RRM results respectively. Then, use device 140 sends collected RRM results 780 to base station 120.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. User device 140 can obtain the RRM configuration by receiving from base station 120 a configuration index of a set of RRM configurations in a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message. The configuration index indicates one of the set of RRM configurations to be the RRM configuration.

For example, as shown in Fig. 8, base station 120 sends a configuration index to use device 140 in a paging message 821, a random access response message 822, or a system information message 823. After receiving the configuration index, user device 140 can determine one of a set of RRM configurations to be the one for user device 140 to measure in NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

User device 140 in the idle, inactive, or suspended state can trigger a measurement based on the RRM configuration. For example, user device 140 triggers a measurement 840 based on the determined RRM configuration when user device 140 has data to transmit.

After triggering the measurement 840, user device 140 performs measurement 860. For example, user device 140 measures all possible frequencies that can be used for CA or DC, and collects RRM results respectively. Then, use device 140 sends collected RRM results 880 to base station 120.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. Base station 120 can determine an RRM configuration 920 and send indication of an RRM configuration 930 to user device 140 in a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message.

After receiving indication of RRM configuration 930, user device 140 in the idle, inactive, or suspended state can trigger a measurement based on the indicated RRM configuration. For example, user device 140 triggers a measurement 940 based on the indicated RRM configuration when user device 140 has data to transmit.

After triggering the measurement 940, user device 140 performs a measurement 960. For example, user device 140 measures all possible frequencies that can be used for CA or DC, and collects RRM results respectively. Then, user device 140 sends collected RRM results 980 to base station 120.

In some embodiments, user device 140 triggers the RRM measurement based on the RRM configuration: when receiving data to be sent in a buffer of user device 140; after sending a random access channel (RACH) message; or after sending a request for connection. The request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that user device 140 has data to be sent.

For example, in above measurement triggers 540, 640, 740, 840, and 940, user device 140 triggers the RRM measurement when user device 140 receives data to be sent in a transmission queue from an application. As another example, in above measurement triggers 540, 640, 740, 840, and 940, user device 140 triggers the RRM measurement after sending a random access preamble to base station 120. User device 140 may prepare to transmit or receive data after completing a random access procedure. Alternatively, in above measurement triggers 540, 640, 740, 840, and 940, user device 140 triggers the RRM measurement after sending a service request to base station 120. After base station 120 receives the service request, base station 120 needs measurement results from user device 140 to allocate radio resources and transmission schemes for user device 140.

Alternatively, user device 140 triggers the RRM measurement based on the RRM configuration when user device 140 receives one of a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message that includes an activation indication. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, when user device 140 receives from base station 120 one of paging message 821, random access response message 822, or system information message 823 that includes an activation indication, user device 140 triggers

measurement

540, 640, 740, 840, or 940 based on the determined RRM configuration.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method 1000 in an idle, inactive, or suspended state of a user device in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. Method 1000 may be practiced by user device 140 or 160. Method 1000 includes obtaining an RRM configuration (step 1020) , triggering a measurement based on the RRM configuration (step 1040) , measuring radio resources (step 1060) , and sending a result of the measurement to a base station (step 1080) .

Step 1020 includes obtaining an RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, user device 140 receives RRM configuration 520 sent by base station 120. RRM configuration 520 is for use in an idle, inactive, or suspended state, such as NR RRC IDLE 320, NR RRC INACTIVE 340 , E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310, NR RRC IDLE 420, NR RRC INACTIVE 440 , or E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 in Fig. 3A, 3B, 4A, or 4B.

Step 1040 includes triggering a measurement based on the RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, user device 140 triggers a measurement 540 based on RRM configuration 520 when user device 140 has data to transmit.

Step 1060 includes measuring radio resources. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, user device 140 measures all possible frequencies that can be used for CA or DC, and collects RRM results respectively.

Step 1080 includes sending a result of the measurement to a base station. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, use device 140 sends collected RRM results 580 to base station 120.

Method 1000 may also include sending an indication to the BS before the user device leaves a connected or active state. The indication indicates the RRM configuration among a plurality of RRM configurations. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, after determining RRM configuration 720, user device 140 may send an indication 730 to base station 120 before user device 140 leaves a connected or active state. For example, user device 140 sends a configuration index of the determined RRM configuration to base station 120 before user device 140 leaves NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state. User device 140 in NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state sends the configuration index of the determined RRM configuration to base station 120 before leaving NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state. The configuration index can indicate, for example, the third of ten RRM configurations as the determined RRM configuration.

In some embodiments, step 1020 can include obtaining the RRM configuration by determining the RRM configuration in accordance with an RRM configuration used in a previous idle, inactive, or suspended state before user device 140 enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, base station 120 and user device 140 have used an RRM configuration 620 in previous measurements or at least have both stored RRM configuration 620. Base station 120 and user device 140 implicitly determine, without further signaling therebetween, RRM configuration 620 as a default RRM configuration. RRM configuration 620 can be for use in an idle, inactive, or suspended state, such as NR RRC IDLE 320, NR RRC INACTIVE 340 , E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310, NR RRC IDLE 420, NR RRC INACTIVE 440 , or E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 in Fig. 3A, 3B, 4A, or 4B. User device 140 determines the RRM configuration in accordance with the previous RRM configuration used in the previous NR RRC IDLE 320, INACTIVE 340 state before user device 140 enters current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, step 1020 includes obtaining the RRM configuration by determining the RRM configuration in accordance with an RRM configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, user device 140 can determine to use the previous RRM configuration in NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state to measure in current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, step 1020 includes obtaining the RRM configuration by determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a service configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, user device 140 determines the RRM configuration in accordance with whether a service configuration is a short packet transmission. If the service configuration is the short packet transmission, user device 140 can determine to use an RRM configuration used during a previous short packet transmission. If the service configuration is not the short packet transmission, user device 140 may determine to re-use the previous RRM configuration used in NR IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, step 1020 includes obtaining the RRM configuration by determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a network environment. For example, user device 140 may determine the RRM configuration in accordance with a network topology where user device 140 is located. For example, when user device 140 is located at a position surrounded by more than ten 5G frequencies and/or LTE frequencies of wireless communication systems, user device 140 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state. When user device 140 is located at a position surrounded by more than ten 5G frequencies and/or LTE frequencies of wireless communication systems, user device 140 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC IDLE 320 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, step 1020 can include obtaining the RRM configuration by determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a speed of the user device. For example, user device 140 determines the RRM configuration in accordance with whether user device 140 moves faster than 50 kilometers per hour. When user device 140 moves faster than 50 kilometers per hour, user device 140 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state. When user device 140 moves slower than 3 kilometers per hour, user device 140 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC IDLE 320 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, step 1020 can include obtaining the RRM configuration by receiving from the BS a configuration index of a set of RRM configurations in a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message. The configuration index indicates one of the set of RRM configurations to be the RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, user device 140 receives from base station 120 a configuration index in paging message 821, random access response message 822, or system information message 823. After receiving the configuration index, user device 140 can determine one of a set of RRM configurations to be the one for user device 140 to measure in NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, step 1040 can include triggering the measurement: when receiving data to be sent in a buffer of the user device, after sending a RACH message, or after sending a request for connection. The request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that the user device has data to be sent. For example, user device 140 triggers the measurement when receiving data to be sent in a transmission queue of user device 140. As another example, user device 140 may trigger the measurement after sending a RACH preamble to base station 120. As another example, user device 140 may trigger the measurement after sending a request for connection to base station 120. The request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that user device 140 has data to be sent.

In some embodiments, step 1040 may include receiving one of a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message that includes an activation indication, and triggering the measurement based on the RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, after user device 140 receives paging message 821, random access response message 822, or system information message 823 that includes an activation indication, user device 140 triggers measurements 840 based on the determined RRM configuration.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary radio resource measurement method 1100 in an idle, inactive, or suspended state of a base station in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. Method 1100 may be practiced by base station 120. Method 1100 includes sending an RRM configuration to the user device (step 1120) , triggering a measurement based on the RRM configuration (step 1140) , and receiving a result of a measurement based on the RRM configuration from the user device (step 1160) . The user device and a base station BS are configured to operate together in one of states including: an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and a connected or active state. The RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.

Step 1120 includes sending an RRM configuration to the user device. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, base station 120 sends RRM configuration 520 to user device 140. RRM configuration 520 is for use in an idle, inactive, or suspended state, such as NR RRC IDLE 320, NR RRC INACTIVE 340 , E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310, NR RRC IDLE 420, NR RRC INACTIVE 440 , or E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 in Fig. 3A, 3B, 4A, or 4B.

Step 1140 includes triggering a measurement based on the RRM configuration. Base station 120 in the idle, inactive, or suspended state can trigger a measurement based on the RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, base station 120 triggers measurement 540 based on RRM configuration 520 when user device 140 has data to receive.

Step 1160 includes receiving a result of a measurement based on the RRM configuration from the user device. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, base station 120 receives RRM results 580 from user device 140 after user device 140 measures all possible frequencies and collects RRM results 580.

In some embodiments, step 1140 can include triggering the measurement based on the RRM configuration when receiving data to be sent in a buffer of the BS, after receiving a RACH message, or after receiving a request for connection from the user device. The request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that the user device has data to be sent.

For example, in measurement triggers 540, 640, 740, 840, and 940, base station 120 triggers the RRM measurement when base station 120 receives data to be sent in a transmission queue from the 5G or E-UTRA network system. As another example, in above measurement triggers 540, 640, 740, 840, and 940, base station 120 triggers the RRM measurement after receiving a random access preamble from user device 140. Alternatively, in above measurement triggers 540, 640, 740, 840, and 940, base station 120 triggers the RRM measurement after sending a request for connection to user device 140. After base station 120 sends the request for connection, base station 120 needs measurement results from user device 140 to allocate radio resources and transmission schemes for the connection with user device 140.

In some embodiments, step 1140 can include sending to the user device one of a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message that includes an activation indication. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, base station 120 sends to user device 140 one of paging message 821, random access response message 822, or system information message 823 that includes an activation indication to trigger measurement 840.

In some embodiments, step 1120 includes sending a configuration index of a set of RRM configurations to the user device in a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message. The configuration index indicates one of the set of RRM configurations to be the RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, base station 120 sends to user device 140 a configuration index in paging message 821, random access response message 822, or system information message 823. After user device 140 receives the configuration index, user device 140 can determine one of a set of RRM configurations to be the one for user device 140 to measure in NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, method 1100 may include determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a previous RRM configuration used in a previous idle, inactive, or suspended state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, base station 120 determines to use the previous RRM configuration in NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state to measure in current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state. After RRM configuration determination 920, base station 120 sends indication of RRM configuration 930 to user device 140.

In some embodiments, method 1100 may include determining the RRM configuration in accordance with an RRM configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state, For example, as shown in Fig. 9, base station 120 can determine to use the previous RRM configuration in NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state to measure in current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state.

In some embodiments, method 1100 may include determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a service configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, base station 120 determines the RRM configuration in accordance with whether a service configuration is a short packet transmission. If the service configuration is the short packet transmission, base station 120 can determine to use an RRM configuration used during a previous short packet transmission. If the service configuration is not the short packet transmission, base station 120 may determine to re-use the previous RRM configuration used in NR IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state.

In some embodiments, method 1100 may include determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a network environment. For example, base station 120 can determine the RRM configuration in accordance with a network topology where base station 120 is located. For example, when base station 120 is located at a position surrounded by more than ten 5G frequencies and/or LTE frequencies of wireless communication systems, base station 120 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state. When base station 120 is located at a position surrounded by less than two 5G frequencies and/or LTE frequencies of wireless communication systems, base station 120 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC IDLE 420 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state.

In some embodiments, method 1100 may include determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a speed of the user device. For example, after receiving or detecting a speed of user device 140, base station 120 determines the RRM configuration in accordance with whether user device 140 moves faster than 50 kilometers per hour. When user device 140 moves faster than 50 kilometers per hour, base station 120 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state. When user device 140 moves slower than 3 kilometers per hour, base station 120 may determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC IDLE 420 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user device 1200 for radio resource measurement in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. User device 140 or 160 shown in Fig. 1 may be configured as user device 1200. User device 1200 includes a memory 1210, a processor 1220, a storage 1230, an I/O interface 1240, and a communication unit 1250. One or more of these elements of user device 1200 may be included for radio resource measurement in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system. These elements may be configured to transfer data and send or receive instructions between or among each other.

Processor 1220 includes any appropriate type of general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, digital signal processor, or microcontroller. Processor 1220 can be representative of one or more processors in user device 140 or 160. Memory 1210 and storage 1230 may include any appropriate type of mass storage provided to store any type of information that processor 1220 may need to operate. Memory 1210 and storage 1230 may be a volatile or non-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor, tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other type of storage device or tangible (i.e., non-transitory) computer-readable medium including, but not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM) , a flash memory, a dynamic random-access memory (RAM) , and a static RAM. Memory 1210 and/or storage 1230 may be configured to store one or more programs for execution by processor 1220 for radio resource measurement in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, as disclosed herein.

Memory 1210 and/or storage 1230 may be further configured to store information and data used by processor 1220. For instance, memory 1210 and/or storage 1230 may be configured to store received RRM configurations therein for user device 1200.

I/O interface 1240 may be configured to facilitate the communication between user device 1200 and other apparatuses. For example, I/O interface 1240 may receive a signal from another apparatus (e.g., a computer) including system configuration information for user device 1200. I/O interface 1240 may also output data of measurement results to other apparatuses.

Communication unit 1250 may include one or more cellular communication modules, including, for example, a 5G radio access system, a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) , a High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) , a Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) , and/or a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) communication module.

Processor 1220 can be configured to obtain an RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, processor 1220 can be configured to receive RRM configuration 520 sent by base station 120. RRM configuration 520 is for use in an idle, inactive, or suspended state, such as NR RRC IDLE 320, NR RRC INACTIVE 340 , E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310, NR RRC IDLE 420, NR RRC INACTIVE 440 , or E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 in Fig. 3A, 3B, 4A, or 4B.

Processor 1220 can also be configured to trigger a measurement based on the RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, processor 1220 is configured to trigger measurement 540 based on RRM configuration 520 when user device 140 has data to transmit.

Processor 1220 can also be configured to control user device 1200 to measure radio resources. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, processor 1220 can be configured to control user device 1200 to measure all possible frequencies that can be used for CA or DC, and collect RRM results respectively.

Processor 1220 can also be configured to send a result of the measurement to a base station. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, processor 1220 can be configured to send collected RRM results 580 to base station 120.

Processor 1220 can also be configured to send an indication to the BS before the user device leaves a connected or active state. The indication indicates the RRM configuration among a plurality of RRM configurations. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, after determining RRM configuration 720, processor 1220 can be configured to send an indication 730 to base station 120 before user device 1200 leaves a connected or active state. For example, processor 1220 can be configured to send a configuration index of the determined RRM configuration to base station 120 before user device 1200 leaves NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state. User device 1200 in NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state sends the configuration index of the determined RRM configuration to base station 120 before leaving NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state. The configuration index can indicate one of ten RRM configurations as the determined RRM configuration.

In some embodiments, processor 1220 can be configured to obtain the RRM configuration by determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a previous RRM configuration used in a previous idle, inactive, or suspended state before user device 1200 enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, base station 120 and user device 1200 have used an RRM configuration 620 in previous measurements or at least have both stored RRM configuration 620. Base station 120 and user device 1200 implicitly determine, without further signaling therebetween, RRM configuration 620 as a default RRM configuration. RRM configuration 620 can be for use in an idle, inactive, or suspended state, such as NR RRC IDLE 320, NR RRC INACTIVE 340 , E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310, NR RRC IDLE 420, NR RRC INACTIVE 440 , or E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 in Fig. 3A, 3B, 4A, or 4B. Processor 1220 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with the previous RRM configuration used in the previous NR RRC IDLE 320, INACTIVE 340 state before user device 1200 enters current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, processor 1220 can be configured to obtain the RRM configuration by determining the RRM configuration in accordance with an RRM configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, processor 1220 can be configured to determine to use the previous RRM configuration in NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state to measure in current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, processor 1220 can be configured to obtain the RRM configuration by determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a service configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, processor 1220 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with whether a service configuration is a short packet transmission. If the service configuration is the short packet transmission, processor 1220 can be configured to determine to use an RRM configuration used during a previous short packet transmission. If the service configuration is not the short packet transmission, processor 1220 can be configured to determine to re-use the previous RRM configuration used in NR IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, processor 1220 can be configured to obtain the RRM configuration by determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a network environment. For example, processor 1220 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with a network topology where user device 1200 is located. For example, when user device 1200 is located at a position surrounded by more than ten 5G frequencies and/or LTE frequencies of wireless communication systems, processor 1220 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state. When user device 1200 is located at a position surrounded by less than two 5G frequencies and/or LTE frequencies of wireless communication systems, processor 1220 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC IDLE 320 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, processor 1220 can be configured to obtain the RRM configuration by determining the RRM configuration in accordance with a speed of the user device. For example, processor 1220 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with whether user device 1200 moves faster than 50 kilometers per hour. When user device 1200 moves faster than 50 kilometers per hour, processor 1220 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC CONNECTED 360 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state. When user device 1200 moves slower than 3 kilometers per hour, processor 1220 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC IDLE 320 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, processor 1220 can be configured to obtain the RRM configuration by receiving from the BS a configuration index of a set of RRM configurations in a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message. The configuration index indicates one of the set of RRM configurations to be the RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, processor 1220 can be configured to control user device 1200 to receive from base station 120 a configuration index in paging message 821, random access response message 822, or system information message 823. After receiving the configuration index, processor 1220 can be configured to determine one of a set of RRM configurations to be the one use for user device 1200 to measure in NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, processor 1220 can be configured to trigger the measurement: when receiving data to be sent in a buffer of the user device, after sending a RACH message, or after sending a request for connection. The request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that the user device has data to be sent. For example, processor 1220 can be configured to trigger the measurement when receiving data to be sent in a transmission queue of user device 1200. As another example, processor 1220 can be configured to trigger the measurement after sending a RACH preamble to base station 120. As another example, processor 1220 can be configured to trigger the measurement after sending a request for connection to base station 120. The request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that user device 1200 has data to be sent.

In some embodiments, processor 1220 can be configured to receive one of a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message that includes an activation indication, and triggering the measurement based on the RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, after processor 1220 is configured to receive paging message 821, random access response message 822, or system information message 823 that includes an activation indication, processor 1220 can be configured to trigger measurements 840 based on the determined RRM configuration.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network apparatus 1300 for radio resource measurement in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system, according to some embodiments of the present application. Network apparatus 1300 includes a memory 1310, a processor 1320, a storage 1330, an I/O interface 1340, and a communication unit 1350. One or more of these elements of network apparatus 1300 may be included for radio resource measurement in an idle, inactive, or suspended state in a wireless communication system. These elements may be configured to transfer data and send or receive instructions between or among each other. Base station 120 shown in Fig. 1 may be configured as network apparatus 1300. Network apparatus 1300 can be a base station, a relay station, a remote radio unit, a network node, or a home base station in a wireless communication system.

Processor 1320 includes any appropriate type of general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, digital signal processor, or microcontroller. Processor 1320 can be representative of one or more processors in base station 120. Memory 1310 and storage 1330 may be configured as described above for memory 1210 and storage 1230. Memory 1310 and/or storage 1330 may be further configured to store information and data used by processor 1320. For instance, memory 1310 and/or storage 1330 may be configured to store RRM configurations for user devices 140 and 160.

I/O interface 1340 may be configured to facilitate the communication between network apparatus 1300 and other apparatuses. For example, I/O interface 1340 may receive a signal from another apparatus (e.g., a computer) including system configuration information for network apparatus 1300. I/O interface 1340 may also output data of RRM configurations to other apparatuses.

Communication unit 1350 may include one or more cellular communication modules, including, for example, a 5G radio access system, a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) , a High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) , a Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) , and/or a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) communication module.

Processor 1320 can be configured to send an RRM configuration to the user device. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, processor 1320 can be configured to send RRM configuration 520 to user device 140. RRM configuration 520 is for use in an idle, inactive, or suspended state, such as NR RRC IDLE 320, NR RRC INACTIVE 340 , E-UTRA RRC IDLE 310, NR RRC IDLE 420, NR RRC INACTIVE 440 , or E-UTRA RRC IDLE 410 in Fig. 3A, 3B, 4A, or 4B.

Processor 1320 can also be configured to trigger a measurement based on the RRM configuration. Processor 1320 can be configured to trigger a measurement based on the RRM configuration when network apparatus 1300 is in the idle, inactive, or suspended state can. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, processor 1320 can be configured to trigger measurement 540 based on RRM configuration 520 when user device 140 has data to receive.

Processor 1320 can further be configured to receive a result of a measurement based on the RRM configuration from the user device. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, processor 1320 can be configured to receive RRM results 580 from user device 140 after user device 140 measures all possible frequencies and collects RRM results 580.

In some embodiments, processor 1320 can be configured to trigger the measurement based on the RRM configuration when receiving data to be sent in a buffer of the BS, after receiving a RACH message, or after receiving a request for connection from the user device. The request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that the user device has data to be sent.

For example, in measurement triggers 540, 640, 740, 840, and 940, processor 1320 can be configured to trigger the RRM measurement when network apparatus 1300 receives data to be sent in a transmission queue from the 5G or E-UTRA network system. As another example, in above measurement triggers 540, 640, 740, 840, and 940, processor 1320 can be configured to trigger the RRM measurement after receiving a random access preamble from user device 140. Alternatively, in above measurement triggers 540, 640, 740, 840, and 940, processor 1320 can be configured to trigger the RRM measurement after sending a request for connection to user device 140. After network apparatus 1300 sends the request for connection, network apparatus 1300 needs measurement results from user device 140 to allocate radio resources and transmission schemes for the connection with user device 140.

In some embodiments, processor 1320 can be configured to send to the user device one of a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message that includes an activation indication. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, processor 1320 can be configured to send to user device 140 one of paging message 821, random access response message 822, or system information message 823 that includes an activation indication to trigger measurement 840.

In some embodiments, processor 1320 can be configured to send a configuration index of a set of RRM configurations to the user device in a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message. The configuration index indicates one of the set of RRM configurations to be the RRM configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, processor 1320 can be configured to send to user device 140 a configuration index in paging message 821, random access response message 822, or system information message 823. After user device 140 receives the configuration index, user device 140 can determine one of a set of RRM configurations to be the one for user device 140 to measure in NR RRC IDLE 320 or INACTIVE 340 state.

In some embodiments, processor 1320 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with a previous RRM configuration used in a previous idle, inactive, or suspended state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, processor 1320 can be configured to determine to use the previous RRM configuration in NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state to measure in current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state. After RRM configuration determination 920, processor 1320 is configured to send indication of RRM configuration 930 to use device 140.

In some embodiments, processor 1320 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with an RRM configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, processor 1320 can be configured to determine to use the previous RRM configuration in NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state to measure in current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state.

In some embodiments, processor 1320 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with a service configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state. For example, processor 1320 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with whether a service configuration is a short packet transmission. If the service configuration is the short packet transmission, processor 1320 can be configured to determine to use an RRM configuration used during a previous short packet transmission. If the service configuration is not the short packet transmission, processor 1320 may be configured to determine to re-use the previous RRM configuration used in NR IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state.

In some embodiments, processor 1320 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with a network environment. For example, processor 1320 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with a network topology where network apparatus 1300 is located. For example, when network apparatus 1300 is located at a position surrounded by more than ten 5G frequencies and/or LTE frequencies of wireless communication systems, processor 1320 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state. When network apparatus 1300 is located at a position surrounded by less than two 5G frequencies and/or LTE frequencies of wireless communication systems, processor 1320 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC IDLE 420 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state.

In some embodiments, processor 1320 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with a speed of the user device. For example, after receiving or detecting a speed of user device 140, processor 1320 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration in accordance with whether user device 140 moves faster than 50 kilometers per hour. When user device 140 moves faster than 50 kilometers per hour, processor 1320 may be configured to determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC CONNECTED 460 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state. When user device 140 moves slower than 3 kilometers per hour, processor 1320 can be configured to determine the RRM configuration used in previous NR RRC IDLE 420 state as the one for current NR RRC IDLE 420 or INACTIVE 440 state.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform the methods, as discussed above. For example, instructions may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium included in memory 1210 and/or storage 1230 of user devices for execution by processor 1220, or in memory 1310 and/or storage 1330 of network apparatus 1300 for execution by processor 1320. The computer-readable medium may include volatile or non-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor, tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other types of computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage devices. For example, the computer-readable medium may be the storage device or the memory module having the computer instructions stored thereon, as disclosed. In some embodiments, the computer-readable medium may be a disc or a flash drive having the computer instructions stored thereon.

It will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact construction that has been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is intended that the scope of the application should only be limited by the appended claims.

Claims

A method for radio resource measurement by a user device in a wireless communication system, comprising:

obtaining a first radio resource measurement (RRM) configuration;

triggering a measurement based on the first RRM configuration; and

sending a result of the measurement to a base station (BS) , wherein

the user device and the BS are configured to operate together in one of states including:

an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and

a connected or active state, and

the first RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.
The method of claim 1, wherein obtaining the first RRM configuration includes determining the first RRM configuration in accordance with:

a previous first RRM configuration used in a previous idle, inactive, or suspended state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a second RRM configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a service configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a network environment, or

a speed of the user device.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sending a first indication to the BS before the user device leaves a connected or active state,

wherein the first indication indicates the first RRM configuration.
The method of claim 1, wherein obtaining the first RRM configuration includes receiving from the BS:

a configuration index of a set of RRM configurations in:

a paging message,

a random access response message, or

a system information message,

wherein the configuration index indicates one of the set of RRM configurations to be the first RRM configuration.
The method of claim 1, wherein triggering the measurement based on the first RRM configuration includes triggering the measurement:

when receiving data to be sent in a buffer of the user device;

after sending a random access channel (RACH) message; or

after sending a request for connection, wherein the request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that the user device has data to be sent.
The method of claim 1, wherein triggering the measurement based on the first RRM configuration includes:

receiving one of a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message that includes an activation indication; and

triggering the measurement based on the first RRM configuration.
A method of a base station (BS) for radio resource measurement at a user device in a wireless communication system, comprising:

receiving a first indication from the user device, wherein the first indication indicates a first radio resource measurement (RRM) configuration; and

receiving a result of a measurement based on the first RRM configuration from the user device, wherein

the user device and the BS are configured to operate together in one of states including:

an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and

a connected or active state, and

the first RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.
The method of claim 7, further comprising:

triggering a measurement based on the first RRM configuration.
The method of claim 8, wherein triggering the measurement based on the first RRM configuration includes:

sending to the user device one of a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message that includes an activation indication.
The method of claim 8, wherein triggering the measurement based on the first RRM configuration includes triggering the measurement:

when receiving data to be sent in a buffer of the BS;

after receiving a random access channel (RACH) message; or

after receiving a request for connection from the user device, wherein the request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that the user device has data to be sent.
A method of a base station (BS) for radio resource measurement at a user device in a wireless communication system, comprising:

sending a first radio resource measurement (RRM) configuration to the user device; and

receiving a result of a measurement based on the first RRM configuration from the user device, wherein

the user device and the BS are configured to operate together in one of states including:

an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and

a connected or active state, and

the first RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.
The method of claim 11, wherein sending the first RRM configuration includes:

sending a configuration index of a set of RRM configurations to the user device in:

a paging message,

a random access response message, or

a system information message,

wherein the configuration index indicates one of the set of RRM configurations to be the first RRM configuration.
The method of claim 11, further comprising:

determining the first RRM configuration in accordance with:

a previous first RRM configuration used in a previous idle, inactive, or suspended state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a second RRM configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a service configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a network environment, or

a speed of the user device.
The method of claim 11, further comprising:

triggering a measurement based on the first RRM configuration.
The method of claim 14, wherein triggering the measurement based on the first RRM configuration includes:

sending to the user device one of a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message that includes an activation indication.
The method of claim 14, wherein triggering the measurement based on the first RRM configuration includes triggering the measurement:

when receiving data to be sent in a buffer of the BS;

after receiving a random access channel (RACH) message; or

after receiving a request for connection from the user device, wherein the request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that the user device has data to be sent.
A user device for radio resource measurement in a wireless communication system, the user device comprising:

a memory storing instructions; and

a processor configured to execute the instructions to cause the user device to:

obtain a first radio resource measurement (RRM) configuration;

trigger a measurement based on the first RRM configuration; and

send a result of the measurement to a base station (BS) , wherein

the user device and the BS are configured to operate together in one of states including:

an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and

a connected or active state, and

the first RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.
The user device of claim 17, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the user device to obtain the first RRM configuration by determining the first RRM configuration in accordance with:

a previous first RRM configuration used in a previous idle, inactive, or suspended state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a second RRM configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a service configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a network environment, or

a speed of the user device.
The user device of claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to cause the user device to:

send a first indication to the BS before the user device leaves a connected or active state,

wherein the first indication indicates the first RRM configuration.
The user device of claim 17, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the user device to obtain the first RRM configuration by receiving from the BS:

a configuration index of a set of RRM configurations in:

a paging message,

a random access response message, or

a system information message,

wherein the configuration index indicates one of the set of RRM configurations to be the first RRM configuration.
The user device of claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to cause the user device to trigger the measurement based on the first RRM configuration:

when receiving data to be sent in a buffer of the user device;

after sending a random access channel (RACH) message; or

after sending a request for connection, wherein the request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that the user device has data to be sent.
The user device of claim 21, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to cause the user device to, before triggering the measurement based on the first RRM configuration:

receive one of a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message that includes an activation indication.
Network apparatus for radio resource management of a user device in a wireless communication system, comprising:

a memory storing instructions; and

a processor configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to:

receive a first indication from the user device, wherein the first indication indicates a first radio resource management (RRM) configuration; and

receive a result of a measurement based on the first RRM configuration from the user device, wherein

the user device and the network apparatus are configured to operate together in one of states including:

an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and

a connected or active state, and

the first RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.
The network apparatus of claim 23, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to:

trigger a measurement based on the first RRM configuration.
The network apparatus of claim 24, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to trigger the measurement based on the first RRM configuration by:

sending to the user device one of a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message that includes an activation indication.
The network apparatus of claim 24, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to trigger the measurement based on the first RRM configuration:

when receiving data to be sent in a buffer of the BS;

after receiving a random access channel (RACH) message; or

after receiving a request for connection from the user device, wherein the request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that the user device has data to be sent.
Network apparatus for radio resource management of a user device in a wireless communication system, comprising:

a memory storing instructions; and

a processor configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to:

send a first radio resource measurement (RRM) configuration to the user device; and

receive a result of a measurement based on the first RRM configuration from the user device, wherein

the user device and the network apparatus are configured to operate together in one of states including:

an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and

a connected or active state, and

the first RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.
The network apparatus of claim 27, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to send the first RRM configuration by:

sending a configuration index of a set of RRM configurations to the user device in:

a paging message,

a random access response message, or

a system information message,

wherein the configuration index indicates one of the set of RRM configurations to be the first RRM configuration.
The network apparatus of claim 27, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to:

determine the first RRM configuration in accordance with:

a previous first RRM configuration used in a previous idle, inactive, or suspended state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a second RRM configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a service configuration used in a previous connected or active state before the user device enters a current idle, inactive, or suspended state,

a network environment, or

a speed of the user device.
The network apparatus of claim 27, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to:

trigger a measurement based on the first RRM configuration.
The network apparatus of claim 30, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to trigger the measurement based on the first RRM by:

sending to the user device one of a paging message, a random access response message, or a system information message that includes an activation indication.
The network apparatus of claim 30, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to cause the network apparatus to trigger the measurement based on the first RRM configuration:

when receiving data to be sent in a buffer of the BS;

after receiving a random access channel (RACH) message; or

after receiving a request for connection from the user device, wherein the request for connection includes an establishment cause indicating that the user device has data to be sent.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that are executable by one or more processors of an apparatus to perform a method for radio resource management in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:

obtaining a first radio resource measurement (RRM) configuration;

triggering a measurement based on the first RRM configuration; and

sending a result of the measurement to a base station (BS) , wherein

the apparatus and the BS are configured to operate together in one of states including:

an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and

a connected or active state, and

the first RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that are executable by one or more processors of an apparatus to perform a method for radio resource management in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:

receiving a first indication from a user device, wherein the first indication indicates a first radio resource management (RRM) configuration; and

receiving a result of a measurement based on the first RRM configuration from the user device, wherein

the user device and the apparatus are configured to operate in one of states including:

an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and

a connected or active state, and

the first RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that are executable by one or more processors of an apparatus to perform a method for radio resource management in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:

sending a first radio resource measurement (RRM) configuration to a user device; and

receiving a result of a measurement based on the first RRM configuration from the user device, wherein

the user device and the apparatus are configured to operate together in one of states including:

an idle, inactive, or suspended state, and

a connected or active state, and

the first RRM configuration is for use in the idle, inactive, or suspended state.