WO2020056649A1

WO2020056649A1 - Configuring measurement gap pattern

Info

Publication number: WO2020056649A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/106571
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jing He; Amaanat ALI; Tero Henttonen; Chunli Wu
Original assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co., Ltd.; Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy; Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2018-09-19
Filing date: 2018-09-19
Publication date: 2020-03-26
Also published as: CN112640517A; CN112640517B

Abstract

A method(400), device(800) and computer readable medium for configuring measurement gap pattern are provided. The method(400) comprises: in response to a determination that a terminal device(130) is required to perform a measurement of signal quality(410), determining whether a first network device(110) possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement(420), the terminal device(130) being in communication with the first and a second network devices(110,120). The method(400) also comprises: in response to a determination that the first network device(110) lacks the measurement gap pattern, determining a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device(130) and a signal to be measured(430), and transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device(120)(440).

Description

CONFIGURING MEASUREMENT GAP PATTERN

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and in particular, to a method, device and computer readable medium for configuring measurement gap pattern.

BACKGROUND

Next Radio (NR) is being developed in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) . In the first phase of this development, Non-Standalone (NSA) NR is concerned. In NSA NR, a terminal device may operate in a multiple radio access technology dual connectivity (MR-DC) mode in which the terminal device may be connected to nodes or network devices of multiple radio access technologies (RATs) . For example, the terminal device may have a first connection to a network device of NR (5G) and a second connection to a further network device ofNR (5G) . This type of MR-DC may be referred to as NR-NR Dual Connectivity (NR-NR DC) . In NR-NR DC, which one of the two network devices is responsible for deciding a measurement gap pattern configuration for the terminal device still needs to be discussed.

SUMMARY

In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, device and computer readable medium for configuring measurement gap pattern.

In a first aspect, a method implemented at a first network device is provided. The method comprises: in response to a determination that a terminal device is required to perform a measurement of signal quality, determining whether the first network device possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement, the terminal device being in communication with the first and second network devices. The method also comprises: in response to a determination that the first network device lacks the measurement gap pattern, determining a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and a signal to be measured, and transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to a determination that the first network device possesses the measurement gap pattern, causing the measurement to be performed by using the measurement gap pattern.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to receiving from the second network device an indication that the second network device accepts the first measurement gap pattern, transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to an expiration of a predetermined time period, transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving, from the second network device, a second measurement gap pattern for the measurement; in response to a determination that the first network device is authorized for selection, selecting one of the first and second measurement gap patterns; and in response to a determination that the first network device is unauthorized for the selection, receiving, from the second network device, an indication of a selection of the first or second measurement gap pattern.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to the determination that the first network device is authorized for the selection, transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the second network device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device.

In a second aspect, a method implemented at a second network device is provided. The method comprises: receiving, from a first network device, a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality to be performed by a terminal device, the terminal device being in communication with the first and second network devices; determining whether the second network device has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for the measurement to the first network device; and in response to a determination that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device, storing the first measurement gap pattern.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to the determination that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device, transmitting to the first network device an indication that the second network device accepts the first measurement gap pattern.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to a determination that the second network device has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device, determining whether the second network device is authorized for selection; in response to a determination that the second network device is authorized for the selection, selecting one of the first and second measurement gap patterns; and in response to a determination that the second network device is unauthorized for the selection, receiving from the first network device at least one of the following: an indication of the selection of the first or second measurement gap patterns, and an indication that the first network device accepts or rejects the second measurement gap pattern.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to the determination that the second network device is authorized for the selection, transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the first network device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to the determination that the second network device is unauthorized for the selection, causing the measurement to be performed by using the selected measurement gap pattern.

In a third aspect, a method implemented at a terminal device is provided. The method comprises: receiving, from a first network device, a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality; determining whether the terminal device only possesses the first measurement gap pattern; and in response to a determination that the terminal device only possesses the first measurement gap pattern, transmitting to the first network device an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used, the terminal device being in communication with the first network device and a second network device.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to a determination that the terminal device possesses the first measurement gap pattern and a second measurement gap pattern that is received from the second network device, selecting one of the first and second measurement gap patterns, transmitting to the first network device an indication of the selection, and transmitting to the second network device a further indication of the selection.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to receiving the second measurement gap pattern upon transmitting to the first network device the indication or upon having decided to transmit the first network device the indication, transmitting to the second network device an indication that the second measurement gap pattern is to be unused.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device.

In a fourth aspect, a method implemented at a first network device is provided. The method comprises: in response to a determination that a terminal device is required to perform measurement of signal quality, determining whether the first network device possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement, the terminal device being in communication with the first network device and a second network device; in response to a determination that the first network device lacks the measurement gap pattern, determining a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and a signal to be measured; transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device; and in response to receiving from the terminal device an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used, transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device; and in response to receiving from the terminal device an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be unused, receiving a second measurement gap pattern from the second network device or from the terminal device.

In some example embodiments, the first network device is a master node or a secondary node.

In some example embodiments, the second network device is a master node or a secondary node.

In a fifth aspect, a first network device is provided. The first network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the network device to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

In a sixth aspect, a second network device is provided. The second network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the second network device to carry out the method according to the second aspect.

In a seventh eighth aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to carry out the method according to the third aspect.

In an eighth aspect, a first network device is provided. The first network device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first network device to carry out the method according to the fourth aspect.

In a ninth aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The apparatus comprises: means for determining, in response to a determination that a terminal device is required to perform a measurement of signal quality, whether the first network device possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement, the terminal device being in communication with the first and second network devices; and in response to a determination that the first network device lacks the measurement gap pattern, means for determining a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and a signal to be measured, and means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device.

In a tenth aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from a first network device, a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality to be performed by a terminal device, the terminal device being in communication with the first and second network devices; means for determining whether the second network device has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for the measurement to the first network device; and means for storing the first measurement gap pattern in response to a determination that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device.

In an eleventh aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from a first network device, a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality; means for determining whether the terminal device only possesses the first measurement gap pattern; and means for transmitting to the first network device an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used in response to a determination that the terminal device only possesses the first measurement gap pattern, the terminal device being in communication with the first network device and a second network device.

In a twelfth aspect, an apparatus for communication is provided. The apparatus comprises: means for determining in response to a determination that a terminal device is required to perform measurement of signal quality, whether the first network device possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement, the terminal device being in communication with the first network device and a second network device; means for determining, in response to a determination that the first network device lacks the measurement gap pattern, the first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and a signal to be measured; means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device; and means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device in response to receiving from the terminal device an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used.

In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a computer program thereon. The computer program, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a computer program thereon. The computer program, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to carry out the method according to the second aspect.

In a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a computer program thereon. The computer program, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to carry out the method according to the third aspect.

In a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a computer program thereon. The computer program, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to carry out the method according to the fourth aspect.

It is to be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Through the more detailed description of some example embodiments of the present disclosure in the accompanying drawings, the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows an example communication network in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

Fig. 2 is a signalling chart of an example process for configuring measurement gap pattern in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 is a signalling chart of another example process for configuring measurement gap pattern in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method implemented at a first network device in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method implemented at a second network device in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method implemented at a terminal device in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of another method implemented at a first network device in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a device that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

As used herein, the term “network device” refers to any suitable device at a network side of a communication network. The network device may include any suitable device in an access network of the communication network, for example, including a base station (BS) , a relay, an access point (AP) , a node B (NodeB or NB) , an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB) , a gigabit NodeB (gNB) , a Remote Radio Module (RRU) , a radio header (RH) , a remote radio head (RRH) , a low power node such as a femto, a pico, and the like. For the purpose of discussion, in some example embodiments, the gNB is taken as an example of the network device.

The network device may also include any suitable device in a core network, for example, including multi-standard radio (MSR) radio equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs) , Multi-cell/multicast Coordination Entities (MCEs) , Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) and MMEs, Operation and Management (O&M) nodes, Operation Support System (OSS) nodes, Self-Organization Network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes, such as Enhanced Serving Mobile Location Centers (E-SMLCs) , and/or Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) .

As used herein, the term “terminal device” refers to a device capable of, configured for, arranged for, and/or operable for communications with a network device or a further terminal device in a communication network. The communications may involve transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic signals, radio waves, infrared signals, and/or other types of signals suitable for conveying information over air. In some example embodiments, the terminal device may be configured to transmit and/or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, the terminal device may transmit information to the network device on predetermined schedules, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the network side.

Examples of the terminal device include, but are not limited to, user equipment (UE) such as smart phones, wireless-enabled tablet computers, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE) , laptop-mounted equipment (LME) , and/or wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE) . For the purpose of discussion, in the following, some example embodiments will be described with reference to UEs as examples of the terminal devices, and the terms “terminal device” and “user equipment” (UE) may be used interchangeably in the context of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term “cell” refers to an area covered by radio signals transmitted by a network device. The terminal device within the cell may be served by the network device and access the communication network via the network device.

As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) ; and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable) : (i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit (s) with software/firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor (s) with software (including digital signal processor (s) ) , software, and memory (ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) ; and (c) hardware circuit (s) and or processor (s) , such as a microprocessor (s) or a portion of a microprocessor (s) , that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

As used herein, the singular forms “a” , “an” , and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “includes” and its variants are to be read as open terms that mean “includes, but is not limited to” . The term “based on” is to be read as “based at least in part on” . The term “one embodiment” and “an embodiment” are to be read as “at least one embodiment” . The term “another embodiment” is to be read as “at least one other embodiment” . Other definitions, explicit and implicit, may be included below.

As described above, a terminal device may operate in a DC mode in which the terminal device may be connected to two network devices. For example, the terminal device may have a connection to a network device of UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRA) or Long Term Evolution (LTE) and a further connection to a network device of NR (5G) . This type of MR-DC may be referred to as E-UTRA NR-Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) , NR E-UTRAN Connectivity (NE-DC) or Next Generation Core -E-UTRA NR-Dual Connectivity (NG-EN DC) . For another example, the terminal device may have a connection to a network device of NR (5G) and a further connection to a network device ofNR (5G) . This type of MR-DC may be referred to as NR-NR DC.

In the DC mode, a network device that is responsible for control plane communications with the terminal device may be referred to as a master network device or master node (MN) , which another network device may be referred to as a secondary network device or secondary node (SN) .

For the purpose of measurement of signal quality, two types of measurement gap patterns may be configured depending on UE capability. These two types of measurement gap pattern may include per UE measurement gap pattern and per Frequency Range (FR) measurement gap pattern. The per UE measurement gap pattern means that a measurement gap in the pattern is a measurement gap on all serving carriers of the UE. The per FR measurement gap pattern means that a measurement gap in the pattern is a measurement gap for serving carriers, for example, in either frequency range 1 (FR1) or frequency range 2 (FR2) . FR1 includes carriers below 6GHz and FR2 includes carriers above 6GHz.

In EN-DC, the MN decides and configures the per UE measurement gap pattern and the FR1 measurement gap pattern to the terminal device, while the SN decides and configures the FR2 measurement gap pattern to the terminal device. A measurement configuration from the MN to the terminal device indicates whether the measurement configuration is a per UE measurement gap pattern or a FR1 measurement gap pattern. The MN also indicates to the SN the configured per UE measurement gap pattern or per FR1 measurement gap pattern and the gap purpose (per UE or per FR1) . Assistance information may be exchanged between the MN and the SN to assist the measurement gap configuration. For the case of per UE measurement gap pattern or per FR1 measurement gap pattern, the SN indicates to the MN the list of frequencies that are configured by the SN for measurement by the terminal device. For the case of per FR2 measurement gap pattern, the MN indicates to the SN the list of frequencies that are configured by the MN for measurement by the terminal device.

For NR-NR DC, both the MN and the SN may have cells deployed on FR2 frequency and FR1 frequency. In practice, deployment cases of cells may include: Case 1: MN has FR1 cells and FR2 cells, SN has FR1 cells and FR2 cells; Case 2: MN has FR1 cells and FR2 cells, SN only has FR1 cells; Case 3: MN has FRi cells and FR2 cells, SN only has FR2 cells; Case 4: MN only has FR1 cells, SN has FR1 cells and FR2 cells; Case 5: MN only has FR1 cells, SN only has FR1 cells; Case 6: MN only has FR1 cells, SN only has FR2 cells; Case 7: MN only has FR2 cells, SN has FRi cells and FR2 cells; Case 8: MN only has FR2 cells, SN only has FR1 cells; Case 9: MN only has FR2 cells, SN only has FR2 cells.

If principles of the MR-DC architecture are applied to NR-NR DC, it is not easy to define one of the MN and SN to configure FR1 measurement gap pattern or FR2 measurement gap pattern. The reason is that no node can ensure that it can know all locations of measurement timing configurations and locations of signals to be measured of each frequency.

For example, in NR-NR DC, it is not reasonable to require the MN configuring FR1 measurement gap pattern to the terminal device in Case 7, 8 or 9 as described above for synchronization signal block (SSB) measurement because there are no FR1 cells in the MN. If the MN can obtain, via transferring from SN to MN or Operation and Maintenance (O&M) , all information about measurement timing configurations of FR1 before FR1 measurement gap pattern configuration, the MN can configure FR1 measurement gap pattern to the terminal device. However, it is too complicit for the MN to maintain and manage the information.

Similarly, for FR2 measurement gap pattern configuration, it is not reasonable to require SN configuring FR2 measurement gap pattern to the terminal device in Case 2, 5 or 8 as described above for SSB measurement because there are no FR2 cells in the SN. If the SN can obtain, via transferring from MN to SN or O&M, all information about measurement timing configurations of FR2 before FR2 measurement gap pattern configuration, the SN can configure FR2 measurement gap pattern to the terminal device. However, it is too complicit for the SN to maintain and manage the information.

Accordingly, if principles of the MR-DC architecture are applied to NR-NR DC, it needs to discuss which network node is responsible for configuring measurement gap pattern to a terminal device and how to do coordination among nodes and the terminal device.

In order to at least in part solve above and other potential problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide solutions for configuring measurement gap pattern. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in a DC mode, any of two network devices connected to a terminal device may decide to configure a measurement gap pattern when there is measurement requirement and there is no measurement gap pattern locally. Before a network device configures the terminal device with the measurement gap pattern, the network device informs another network device about the measurement gap pattern. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in all deployment cases in the DC mode.

Now some example embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purpose as the present disclosure extends beyond theses limited embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows an example communication network 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. The network 100 includes a first network device 110, a second network device 120 and a terminal device 130. The first network device 110 provides wireless coverage within a cell 115. The second network device 120 provides wireless coverage within a cell 125. It is to be understood that the number of network devices and terminal devices is only for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitations. The network 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and terminal devices adapted for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure.

The terminal device 130 may operate in a DC mode. In the DC mode, the terminal device 130 may be connected to and in communication with two network devices or nodes. For example, as shown in Fig. l, the terminal device 130 may have a first connection to the first network device 110 and a second connection to the second network device 120. The first network device 110 may operate using a first RAT and the second network device 120 may operate using a second RAT. The second RAT may be the same as or different from the first RAT. In some example embodiments, each of the first and second RATs comprises NR.

The communications in the network 100 may conform to any suitable standards including, but not limited to, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) , Extended Coverage Global System for Mobile Internet of Things (EC-GSM-IoT) , Long Term Evolution (LTE) , LTE-Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) , Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) , Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) , GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN) , and the like. Furthermore, the communications may be performed according to any generation communication protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of the communication protocols include, but not limited to, the first generation (1G) , the second generation (2G) , 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G) , the fourth generation (4G) , 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G) communication protocols.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in a DC mode, any of two network devices connected to a terminal device may decide to configure a measurement gap pattern when there is measurement requirement and there is no measurement gap pattern locally. Before a network device configures the terminal device with the measurement gap pattern, the network device informs another network device about the measurement gap pattern. Thus, configuration collision for the same type of measurement gap patterns may be avoided via coordination between the first network device 110 and the second network device 120. For the purpose of discussion, a coordination process between the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a signalling chart of an example process 200 for configuring measurement gap pattern in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 200 may involve the first network device 110, the second network device 120 and the terminal device 130 as shown in Fig. 1. It is to be understood that process 200 may include additional acts not shown and/or omit some acts as shown. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

The first network device 110 determines 2010 whether the terminal device 130 is required to perform a measurement of signal quality. The terminal device 130 is in communication with the first network device 110 and the second network device 120. One of the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 that is configured for control plane communications with the terminal device 130 may be referred to as a MN, while another may be referred to as a SN.

If the first network device 110 determines that the terminal device 130 is required to perform the measurement, the first network device 110 determines 2020 whether the first network device 110 possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement.

If the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 lacks the measurement gap pattern, the first network device 110 determines 2030 a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device 130 and a signal to be measured.

In some embodiments, the signal to be measured by the terminal device 130 may include at least one reference signal. In some example embodiments, the at least one reference signal may include a synchronization signal block (SSB) . In such embodiments, the measurement timing configuration comprises synchronization signal block (SSB) measurement timing configuration (SMTC) .

It is to be understood that the SSB and the SMTC are just examples without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure, other signals or reference signals to be measured and other types of measurement timing configuration may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the reference signals to be measured may include channel status information reference signal (CSI-RS) . Accordingly, measurement timing configuration for the CSI-RS may be used in some example embodiments.

The first network device 110 transmits 2040 the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

Upon receiving the first measurement gap pattern from the first network device 110, the second network device 120 determines 2050 whether the second network device 120 has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for the measurement to the first network device 110. The second measurement gap pattern may be the same as or different from the first measurement gap pattern. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. In some embodiments, each of the first and second measurement gap patterns may include one of the following: a per UE measurement gap pattern, a per FRI measurement gap pattern, and a per FR2 measurement gap pattern.

If the second network device 120 determines that the second network device 120 has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 stores 2060 the first measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, if the second network device 120 determines that the second network device 120 has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 may transmit 2070 to the first network device 110 an indication that the second network device 120 accepts the first measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, the acts 2060 and 2070 may be performed in parallel. In other embodiments, the act 2060 may be performed before the act 2070. Alternatively, the act 2070 may be performed before the act 2060.

In some embodiments, upon transmitting the indication to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 may use the first measurement gap pattern to cause a measurement to be performed by the terminal device 130 if the second network device 120 has measurement requirement. In such embodiments, the second network device 120 may just transmit parameters related to the measurement without any measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130.

In some embodiments, upon receiving from the second network device 120 the indication that the second network device 120 accepts the first measurement gap pattern, the first network device 110 transmits 2080 the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130. Alternatively, in some embodiments, upon an expiration of a predetermined time period, the first network device 110 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130. Thus, configuration collision for the same gap type of measurement gap patterns from the two network devices may be avoided via coordination between the two network devices.

Embodiments of the present disclosure neither require a network device without any FR1 cell to determine a FR1 measurement gap pattern for the terminal device, nor require a network device without any FR2 cell to determine a FR2 measurement gap pattern for the terminal device. Thus, the network device without any FR1 cell does not need to obtain, from another network device, information about measurement timing configurations of FR1 for determination of the FR1 measurement gap pattern. Similarly, the network device without any FR2 cell does not need to obtain, from another network device, information about measurement timing configurations of FR2 for determination of the FR2 measurement gap pattern. Accordingly, it is easy to implement embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, if the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 have requirements for the same type of measurement simultaneously, the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 may determine their respective measurement gap patterns. In some embodiments, the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 may transmit their respective measurement gap patterns simultaneously to each other.

Consider an example in which the second network device 120 does not receive from the first network device 110 the first measurement gap pattern until the second network device 120 has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110. In this case, the second network device 120 possesses both the first measurement gap pattern and the second measurement gap pattern before configuring the terminal device 130. In order to configure the terminal device 130 with only one of the first and second measurement gap patterns, coordination between the first network device 110 and the second network device 120 may be performed.

For example, in some embodiments, if the second network device 120 determines 2050 that the second network device 120 has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 determines whether the second network device 120 is authorized for selection one of the first and second measurement gap patterns. In some embodiments, the authorization may be performed by an operator of the communication network 100.

If the second network device 120 determines that the second network device 120 is authorized for the selection, the second network device 120 selects one of the first and second measurement gap patterns. Then, the second network device 120 may transmit the selected measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110.

On the other hand, if the second network device 120 determines that the second network device 120 is unauthorized for the selection, that is, the first network device 110 is authorized for the selection, the second network device 120 may receive the result of selection from the first network device 110.

In some embodiments, the second network device 120 may receive from the first network device 110 an indication of the selection of the first or second measurement gap pattern. In some embodiments, the second network device 120 may receive from the first network device 110 the selected measurement gap pattern that indicates the selection that is made by the first network device 110. For example, if the second network device 120 receives from the first network device 110 the first measurement gap pattern, it indicates that the first network device 110 selects the first measurement gap pattern for configuring the terminal device 130. If the second network device 120 receives from the first network device 110 the second measurement gap pattern, it indicates that the first network device 110 selects the second measurement gap pattern for configuring the terminal device 130.

In some embodiments, the second network device 120 may receive from the first network device 110 an indication that the first network device 110 accepts or rejects the second measurement gap pattern. For example, the second network device 120 may receive from the first network device 110 a positive acknowledge that indicates the first network device 110 accepts the second measurement gap pattern. The second network device 120 may receive from the first network device 110 a negative acknowledge that indicates the first network device 110 rejects the second measurement gap pattern. This means that the first network device 110 selects the first measurement gap pattern for configuring the terminal device 130.

In some embodiments, whether the second network device 120 is authorized for the selection or is unauthorized for the selection, the second network device 120 may transmit the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130 directly. Similarly, whether the first network device 110 is authorized for the selection or is unauthorized for the selection, the first network device 110 may transmit the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130 directly.

In embodiments where the second network device 120 is unauthorized for the selection, the second network device 120 may use the measurement gap pattern selected by the first network device 110 to cause the measurement to be performed by the terminal device 130. Similarly, in embodiments where the first network device 110 is unauthorized for the selection, the first network device 110 may use the measurement gap pattern selected by the second network device 120 to cause the measurement to be performed by the terminal device 130.

Instead of coordination between the two network devices, configuration collision for the same gap type of measurement gap patterns may be avoided via selection by the terminal device, which will be described below with reference to Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 is a signalling chart of another example process for configuring measurement gap pattern in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The process 300 may involve the first network device 110, the second network device 120 and the terminal device 130 as shown in Fig. 1. It is to be understood that process 300 may include additional acts not shown and/or omit some acts as shown. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

Acts

2010, 2020 and 2030 in Fig. 3 are the same as those in Fig. 2, and thus the description of them are omitted for the purpose of clarity.

The first network device 110 transmits 3040 the first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality to the terminal device 130.

Upon receiving the first measurement gap pattern from the first network device 110, the terminal device 130 determines 3050 whether the terminal device 130 only possesses the first measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, a timer that defines a time period may be used. The time period may be configured by one of the first and second network devices. Alternatively, the time period may be determined by the terminal device 130. In some embodiments, the time period may be determined to be less than the time for processing the first measurement gap pattern or the second measurement gap pattern.

Upon receiving the first measurement gap pattern, the timer may be started. If the terminal device 130 does not receive a second measurement gap pattern from the second network device 120 prior to expiration of the time period, the terminal device 130 may determine that only the first measurement gap pattern is possessed.

If the terminal device 130 determines that only the first measurement gap pattern is possessed, the terminal device 130 transmits 3060 to the first network device 110 an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used.

In some embodiments, upon receiving the indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used, the first network device 110 transmits 3070 the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, if the terminal device 130 determines that the terminal device 130 possesses, in addition to the first measurement gap pattern, a second measurement gap pattern that is received from the second network device 120, the terminal device 130 may select one of the first and second measurement gap patterns.

In some embodiments, upon selecting one of the first and second measurement gap patterns, the terminal device 130 may transmit to the first network device 110 an indication of the selection, and transmit to the second network device 120 a further indication of the selection. For example, if the terminal device 130 selects a measurement gap pattern from a network device, the terminal device 130 may transmit to the network device an indication that the measurement gap pattern is to be used. By way of example, the indication that the measurement gap pattern is to be used may be a positive feedback. If the terminal device 130 does not select, i.e., rejects, a measurement gap pattern from a network device, the terminal device 130 may transmit to the network device an indication that the measurement gap pattern is to be unused. By way of example, the indication that the measurement gap pattern is to be unused may be a negative feedback.

In some embodiments, upon receiving from the terminal device 130 the indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used, the first network device 110 may transmit the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120. Alternatively, in some embodiments, upon selecting the first measurement gap pattern, the terminal device 130 may transmit the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, upon receiving the first measurement gap pattern, the second network device 120 may use the first measurement gap pattern to cause a measurement to be performed by the terminal device 130 if the second network device 120 has measurement requirement.

In some embodiments, upon transmitting to the first network device 110 the indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used or upon having decided to transmit the indication the first network device 110, the terminal device 130 may receive the second measurement gap configuration from the second network device 120. In such embodiments, upon receiving the second measurement gap pattern, the terminal device 130 may transmit to the second network device 120 an indication that the second measurement gap pattern is to be unused.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 implemented at a first network device in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The method 400 may involve the first network device 110, the second network device 120 and the terminal device 130 in Fig. 1. For example, the method 400 can be implemented at the first network device 110 as shown in Fig. 1. It is to be understood that the method 400 may include additional blocks not shown and/or may omit some blocks as shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

At block 410, the first network device 110 determines whether the terminal device 130 is required to perform a measurement of signal quality. The terminal device 130 is in communication with the first network device 110 and the second network device 120.

Ifit is determined at block 410 that the terminal device 130 is required to perform the measurement of signal quality, at block 420, the first network device 110 determines whether the first network device 110 possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement.

On the other hand, if it is determined at block 410 that the terminal device 130 is not required to perform the measurement of signal quality, at block 450, the first network device 110 performs any appropriate act.

Referring back to block 420, if the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 does not possess the measurement gap pattern, i.e., the first network device 110 lacks the measurement gap pattern, the first network device 110 determines at block 430 a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device 130 and a signal to be measured.

At block 440, the first network device 110 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 420 that the first network device 110 possesses the measurement gap pattern, at block 460, the first network device 110 may cause the measurement to be performed by using the measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, upon transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120, the first network device 110 may receive from the second network device 120 an indication that the second network device 120 accepts the first measurement gap pattern. Then, the first network device 110 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130. Alternatively, upon an expiration of a predetermined time period, the first network device 110 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130.

In some embodiments, the first network device 110 receives from the second network device 120 a second measurement gap pattern for the measurement. If the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 is authorized for selection, the first network device 110 selects one of the first and second measurement gap patterns. On the other hand, if the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 is unauthorized for the selection, the first network device 110 receives from the second network device 120 an indication of a selection of the first or second measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, if the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 is authorized for the selection, the first network device 110 transmits the selected measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, the first network device 110 transmits the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 implemented at a second network device in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The method 500 may involve the first network device 110, the second network device 120 and the terminal device 130 in Fig. 1. For example, the method 500 can be implemented at the second network device 120 as shown in Fig. 1. It is to be understood that the method 500 may include additional blocks not shown and/or may omit some blocks as shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

At block 510, the second network device 120 receives, from the first network device 110, a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality to be performed by the terminal device 130. The terminal device 130 is in communication with the first network device 110 and the second network device 120.

At block 520, the second network device 120 determines whether the second network device 120 has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for the measurement to the first network device 110.

If it is determined at block 520 that the second network device 120 has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 stores the first measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 520 that the second network device 120 has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 may transmit to the first network device 110 an indication that the second network device 120 accepts the first measurement gap pattern.

On the other hand, if it is determined at block 520 that the second network device 120 has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 may perform any appropriate act.

In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 520 that the second network device 120 has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110, the second network device 120 may determine whether the second network device 120 is authorized for selection.

If it is determined that the second network device 120 is authorized for the selection, the second network device 120 selects one of the first and second measurement gap patterns. In some embodiments, the second network device 120 may transmit the selected measurement gap pattern to the first network device 110.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the second network device 120 is unauthorized for the selection, receives from the first network device 110 at least one of the following: an indication of the selection of the first or second measurement gap, and an indication that the first network device 110 accepts or rejects the second measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, if it is determined that the second network device 120 is unauthorized for the selection, the second network device 120 may cause the measurement to be performed by using the selected measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, the second network device 120 may transmit the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method 600 implemented at a terminal device in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The method 600 may involve the first network device 110, the second network device 120 and the terminal device 130 in Fig. 1. For example, the method 600 can be implemented at the terminal device 130 as shown in Fig. 1. It is to be understood that the method 600 may include additional blocks not shown and/or may omit some blocks as shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

At block 610, the terminal device 130 receives, from a first network device 110, a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality. The terminal device 130 is in communication with the first network device 110 and the second network device 120.

At block 620, the terminal device 130 determines whether the terminal device 130 only possesses the first measurement gap pattern.

If it is determined at block 620 that only the first measurement gap pattern is possessed, the terminal device 130 transmits to the first network device 110 an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used.

On the other hand, if it is determined at block 620 that the terminal device 130 possesses the first measurement gap pattern and a second measurement gap pattern that is received from the second network device 120, the terminal device 130 selects one of the first and second measurement gap patterns. In turn, the terminal device 130 transmits to the first network device 110 an indication of the selection, and transmits to the second network device 120 a further indication of the selection.

In some embodiments, if the terminal device 130 receives the second measurement gap pattern upon transmitting to the first network device 110 the indication or upon having decided to transmit the first network device 110 the indication, the terminal device 130 transmits to the second network device 120 an indication that the second measurement gap pattern is to be unused.

In some embodiments, the terminal device 130 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a method 700 implemented at a first network device in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 700 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The method 700 may involve the first network device 110, the second network device 120 and the terminal device 130 in Fig. 1. For example, the method 700 can be implemented at the first network device 110 as shown in Fig. 1. It is to be understood that the method 700 may include additional blocks not shown and/or may omit some blocks as shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

At block 710, the first network device 110 determines whether the terminal device 130 is required to perform a measurement of signal quality. The terminal device 130 is in communication with the first network device 110 and the second network device 120.

If it is determined at block 710 that the terminal device 130 is required to perform the measurement of signal quality, at block 720, the first network device 110 determines whether the first network device 110 possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement.

On the other hand, if it is determined at block 710 that the terminal device 130 is not required to perform the measurement of signal quality, at block 770, the first network device 110 performs any appropriate act.

Referring back to block 720, if the first network device 110 determines that the first network device 110 does not possess the measurement gap pattern, the first network device 110 determines at block 730 a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device 130 and a signal to be measured.

At block 740, the first network device 110 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device 130.

In some embodiments, if it is determined at block 720 that the first network device 110 possesses the measurement gap pattern, at block 780, the first network device 110 may cause the measurement to be performed by using the measurement gap pattern.

At block 750, the first network device 110 determines whether the first network device 110 receives from the terminal device 130 an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used or an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be unused. For easy of discussion, the indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used will be referred to as a positive feedback, and the indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be unused will be referred to as a negative feedback.

If it is determined at block 750 that the first network device 110 receives the positive feedback from the terminal device 130, the first network device 110 transmits the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device 120.

In some embodiments, ifit is determined at block 750 that the first network device 110 receives the negative feedback from the terminal device 130, at block 790, the first network device 110 receives a second measurement gap pattern from the second network device 120 or from the terminal device 130.

In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing the method 400 (for example, the first network device 110) may comprise means for performing the respective steps of the method 400. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for determining, in response to a determination that a terminal device is required to perform a measurement of signal quality, whether the first network device possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement, the terminal device being in communication with the first and second network devices; and in response to a determination that the first network device lacks the measurement gap pattern, means for determining a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and a signal to be measured, and means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: in response to a determination that the first network device possesses the measurement gap pattern, means for causing the measurement to be performed by using the measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device in response to receiving from the second network device an indication that the second network device accepts the first measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device in response to an expiration of a predetermined time period.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the second network device, a second measurement gap pattern for the measurement; means for selecting one of the first and second measurement gap patterns in response to a determination that the first network device is authorized for selection; and means for receiving, from the second network device, an indication of a selection of the first or second measurement gap pattern in response to a determination that the first network device is unauthorized for the selection.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the second network device in response to the determination that the first network device is authorized for the selection.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device.

In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing the method 500 (for example, the second network device 120) may comprise means for performing the respective steps of the method 500. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a first network device, a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality to be performed by a terminal device, the terminal device being in communication with the first and second network devices; means for determining whether the second network device has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for the measurement to the first network device; and means for storing the first measurement gap pattern in response to a determination that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting to the first network device an indication that the second network device accepts the first measurement gap pattern in response to the determination that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for determining whether the second network device is authorized for selection in response to a determination that the second network device has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device; means for selecting one of the first and second measurement gap patterns in response to a determination that the second network device is authorized for the selection; and means for receiving from the first network device at least one of the following in response to a determination that the second network device is unauthorized for the selection: an indication of the selection of the first or second measurement gap patterns, and an indication that the first network device accepts or rejects the second measurement gap pattern.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the first network device in response to the determination that the second network device is authorized for the selection.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for causing the measurement to be performed by using the selected measurement gap pattern in response to the determination that the second network device is unauthorized for the selection.

In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing the method 600 (for example, the terminal device 130) may comprise means for performing the respective steps of the method 600. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from a first network device, a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality; means for determining whether the terminal device only possesses the first measurement gap pattern; and means for transmitting to the first network device an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used in response to a determination that the terminal device only possesses the first measurement gap pattern, the terminal device being in communication with the first network device and a second network device.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: in response to a determination that the terminal device possesses the first measurement gap pattern and a second measurement gap pattern that is received from the second network device, means for selecting one of the first and second measurement gap patterns, means for transmitting to the first network device an indication of the selection, and means for transmitting to the second network device a further indication of the selection.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: in response to receiving the second measurement gap pattern upon transmitting to the first network device the indication or upon having decided to transmit the first network device the indication, means for transmitting to the second network device an indication that the second measurement gap pattern is to be unused.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device.

In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing the method 700 (for example, the first network device 110) may comprise means for performing the respective steps of the method 700. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for determining in response to a determination that a terminal device is required to perform measurement of signal quality, whether the first network device possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement, the terminal device being in communication with the first network device and a second network device; means for determining, in response to a determination that the first network device lacks the measurement gap pattern, a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and a signal to be measured; means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device; and means for transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device in response to receiving from the terminal device an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used; and means for receiving a second measurement gap pattern from the second network device or from the terminal device in response to receiving from the terminal device an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be unused.

Fig. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 that is suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 800 can be considered as a further example implementation of the

network devices

110 and 120 as shown in Fig. 1. Accordingly, the device 800 can be implemented at or as at least a part of the

network device

110 or 120.

As shown, the device 800 includes a processor 810, a memory 820 coupled to the processor 810, a suitable transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) 840 coupled to the processor 810, and a communication interface coupled to the TX/RX 840. The memory 820 stores at least a part of a program 830. The TX/RX 840 is for bidirectional communications. The TX/RX 840 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication, though in practice an Access Node mentioned in this application may have several ones. The communication interface may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements, such as X2 interface for bidirectional communications between eNBs, S1 interface for communication between a Mobility Management Entity (MME) /Serving Gateway (S-GW) and the eNB, Un interface for communication between the eNB and a relay node (RN) , or Uu interface for communication between the eNB and UE.

The program 830 is assumed to include program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 810, enable the device 800 to operate in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, as discussed herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. The embodiments herein may be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 810 of the device 800, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 810 may be configured to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, a combination of the processor 810 and memory 820 may form processing means 850 adapted to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The memory 820 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory, as non-limiting examples. While only one memory 820 is shown in the device 800, there may be several physically distinct memory modules in the device 800. The processor 810 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 800 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

Generally, various example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. While various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations, it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system, technique or method described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor, to carry out the

methods

400, 500, 600, 700 as described above with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program codes, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions/operations specified in the flowcharts and/or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable media.

The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM) , a read-only memory (ROM) , an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) , an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) , an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Further, while operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, while several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

A method, comprising:

in response to a determination that a terminal device is required to perform a measurement of signal quality, determining whether a first network device possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement, the terminal device being in communication with the first network device and a second network device; and

in response to a determination that the first network device lacks the measurement gap pattern,

determining a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and a signal to be measured, and

transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device.
The method of Claim 1, further comprising:

in response to a determination that the first network device possesses the measurement gap pattern, causing the measurement to be performed by using the measurement gap pattern.
The method of Claim 1, further comprising:

in response to receiving from the second network device an indication that the second network device accepts the first measurement gap pattern, transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device.
The method of Claim 1, further comprising:

in response to an expiration of a predetermined time period, transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device.
The method of Claim 1, further comprising:

receiving, from the second network device, a second measurement gap pattern for the measurement;

in response to a determination that the first network device is authorized for selection, selecting one of the first and second measurement gap patterns; and

in response to a determination that the first network device is unauthorized for the selection, receiving, from the second network device, an indication of a selection of the first or second measurement gap pattern.
The method of Claim 5, further comprising:

in response to the determination that the first network device is authorized for the selection, transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the second network device.
The method of Claim 5, further comprising:

transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device.
A method, comprising:

receiving, by a second network device, from a first network device, a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality to be performed by a terminal device, the terminal device being in communication with the first network device and the second network device;

determining whether the second network device has transmitted a second measurement gap pattern for the measurement to the first network device; and

in response to a determination that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device, storing the first measurement gap pattern.
The method of Claim 8, further comprising:

in response to the determination that the second network device has not transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device, transmitting to the first network device an indication that the second network device accepts the first measurement gap pattern.
The method of Claim 8, further comprising:

in response to a determination that the second network device has transmitted the second measurement gap pattern to the first network device, determining whether the second network device is authorized for selection;

in response to a determination that the second network device is authorized for the selection, selecting one of the first and second measurement gap patterns; and

in response to a determination that the second network device is unauthorized for the selection, receiving from the first network device at least one of the following:

an indication of the selection of the first or second measurement gap patterns, and

an indication that the first network device accepts or rejects the second measurement gap pattern.
The method of Claim 10, further comprising:

in response to the determination that the second network device is authorized for the selection, transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the first network device.
The method of Claim 10, further comprising:

in response to the determination that the second network device is unauthorized for the selection, causing the measurement to be performed by using the selected measurement gap pattern.
The method of Claim 10, further comprising:

transmitting the selected measurement gap pattern to the terminal device.
A method, comprising:

receiving, by a terminal device, from a first network device, a first measurement gap pattern for measurement of signal quality;

determining whether the terminal device only possesses the first measurement gap pattern; and

in response to a determination that the terminal device only possesses the first measurement gap pattern, transmitting to the first network device an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used, the terminal device being in communication with the first network device and a second network device.
The method of Claim 14, further comprising:

in response to a determination that the terminal device possesses the first measurement gap pattern and a second measurement gap pattern that is received from the second network device,

selecting one of the first and second measurement gap patterns,

transmitting to the first network device an indication of the selection, and

transmitting to the second network device a further indication of the selection.
The method of Claim 14, further comprising:

in response to receiving the second measurement gap pattern upon transmitting to the first network device the indication or upon having decided to transmit the first network device the indication, transmitting to the second network device an indication that the second measurement gap pattern is to be unused.
The method of Claim 16, further comprising:

transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device.
A method, comprising:

in response to a determination that a terminal device is required to perform measurement of signal quality, determining whether a first network device possesses a measurement gap pattern for the measurement, the terminal device being in communication with the first network device and a second network device;

in response to a determination that the first network device lacks the measurement gap pattern, determining a first measurement gap pattern based on a measurement timing configuration for the terminal device and a signal to be measured;

transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the terminal device;

in response to receiving from the terminal device an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be used, transmitting the first measurement gap pattern to the second network device; and

in response to receiving from the terminal device an indication that the first measurement gap pattern is to be unused, receiving a second measurement gap pattern from the second network device or from the terminal device.
The method of Claim 18, wherein the first network device is a master node or a secondary node.
A network device, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first network device to perform the method of any of Claims 1 to 7, any of Claims 8 to13, Claim 18, or Claim 19.
A terminal device, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to perform the method of any of Claims 14 to 17.
An apparatus, comprising:

means for performing a process, the process comprising the method according to any of Claims 1 to 7, Claims 8 to 13, Claims 14 to 17, Claim 18, or Claim 19.
A computer-readable medium storing a computer program thereon, the computer program, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to carry out the method of any of Claims 1 to 7, Claims 8 to 13, Claims 14 to 17, Claim 18, or Claim 19.