WO2023136555A1

WO2023136555A1 - Method and apparatus for reducing power consumption in a wireless device

Info

Publication number: WO2023136555A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/000272
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alok Kumar Jangid; Abhishek Kaswan; Abhishek Goyal
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2022-01-12
Filing date: 2023-01-06
Publication date: 2023-07-20

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for reducing power consumption in a wireless device.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING POWER CONSUMPTION IN A WIRELESS DEVICE

The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for reducing power consumption in a wireless device.

5G mobile communication technologies define broad frequency bands such that high transmission rates and new services are possible, and can be implemented not only in “Sub 6GHz” bands such as 3.5GHz, but also in “Above 6GHz” bands referred to as mmWave including 28GHz and 39GHz. In addition, it has been considered to implement 6G mobile communication technologies (referred to as Beyond 5G systems) in terahertz bands (for example, 95GHz to 3THz bands) in order to accomplish transmission rates fifty times faster than 5G mobile communication technologies and ultra-low latencies one-tenth of 5G mobile communication technologies.

At the beginning of the development of 5G mobile communication technologies, in order to support services and to satisfy performance requirements in connection with enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), there has been ongoing standardization regarding beamforming and massive MIMO for mitigating radio-wave path loss and increasing radio-wave transmission distances in mmWave, supporting numerologies (for example, operating multiple subcarrier spacings) for efficiently utilizing mmWave resources and dynamic operation of slot formats, initial access technologies for supporting multi-beam transmission and broadbands, definition and operation of BWP (BandWidth Part), new channel coding methods such as a LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) code for large amount of data transmission and a polar code for highly reliable transmission of control information, L2 pre-processing, and network slicing for providing a dedicated network specialized to a specific service.

Currently, there are ongoing discussions regarding improvement and performance enhancement of initial 5G mobile communication technologies in view of services to be supported by 5G mobile communication technologies, and there has been physical layer standardization regarding technologies such as V2X (Vehicle-to-everything) for aiding driving determination by autonomous vehicles based on information regarding positions and states of vehicles transmitted by the vehicles and for enhancing user convenience, NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed) aimed at system operations conforming to various regulation-related requirements in unlicensed bands, NR UE Power Saving, Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) which is UE-satellite direct communication for providing coverage in an area in which communication with terrestrial networks is unavailable, and positioning.

Moreover, there has been ongoing standardization in air interface architecture/protocol regarding technologies such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for supporting new services through interworking and convergence with other industries, IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) for providing a node for network service area expansion by supporting a wireless backhaul link and an access link in an integrated manner, mobility enhancement including conditional handover and DAPS (Dual Active Protocol Stack) handover, and two-step random access for simplifying random access procedures (2-step RACH for NR). There also has been ongoing standardization in system architecture/service regarding a 5G baseline architecture (for example, service based architecture or service based interface) for combining Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies, and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) for receiving services based on UE positions.

As 5G mobile communication systems are commercialized, connected devices that have been exponentially increasing will be connected to communication networks, and it is accordingly expected that enhanced functions and performances of 5G mobile communication systems and integrated operations of connected devices will be necessary. To this end, new research is scheduled in connection with eXtended Reality (XR) for efficiently supporting AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (Mixed Reality) and the like, 5G performance improvement and complexity reduction by utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), AI service support, metaverse service support, and drone communication.

Furthermore, such development of 5G mobile communication systems will serve as a basis for developing not only new waveforms for providing coverage in terahertz bands of 6G mobile communication technologies, multi-antenna transmission technologies such as Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas and large-scale antennas, metamaterial-based lenses and antennas for improving coverage of terahertz band signals, high-dimensional space multiplexing technology using OAM (Orbital Angular Momentum), and RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface), but also full-duplex technology for increasing frequency efficiency of 6G mobile communication technologies and improving system networks, AI-based communication technology for implementing system optimization by utilizing satellites and AI (Artificial Intelligence) from the design stage and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions, and next-generation distributed computing technology for implementing services at levels of complexity exceeding the limit of UE operation capability by utilizing ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources.

In an embodiment, an aspect of the present invention is providing a method for reducing power consumption in a wireless device.

In another embodiment, an aspect of the present invention is providing an apparatus for reducing power consumption in a wireless device.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an implementation, the present subject matter refers to a method for reducing power consumption in a wireless device. The method comprises performing measurement of a secondary node signal using additional Rx chains, when the wireless device is connected to a primary node. The method further comprises generating a measurement report based on the measurement of the secondary node. The method further comprises storing the measurement report in a memory. Thereafter, the method comprises determining a mobility state of the wireless device, wherein the mobility state indicates a state of motion of the wireless device and sending the stored measurement report to a network upon determining the mobility state as low mobility state.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for reducing power consumption in a wireless device is disclosed. The apparatus comprising a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to: perform measurement of a secondary node signal using additional Rx chains, when the wireless device is connected to a primary node, generate a measurement report based on the measurement of the secondary node, store the measurement report in a memory, determine a mobility state of the wireless device, wherein the mobility state indicates a state of motion of the wireless device and send the stored measurement report to a network upon determining the mobility state as low mobility state.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for reducing power consumption in a wireless device.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for reducing power consumption in a wireless device.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates flow of signals to activate dual connectivity mode, in accordance with existing art;

Figure 2 illustrates a mechanism to generate measurement report, in accordance with existing art;

Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for reducing power consumption in a wireless device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates a mechanism for generating measurement report, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates EPS fallback procedure, in accordance with existing art;

Figure 6 illustrates EPS fallback procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 illustrates a mechanism for LTE addition in NEDC, in accordance with existing art;

Figure 8 illustrates a mechanism for LTE addition in NEDC, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 9a and 9b illustrate a mechanism for Rel-16 Early addition, in accordance with existing art;

Figure 10 illustrates a mechanism for Rel-16 Early addition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 11 illustrates a mechanism for early reporting in SCG addition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 12 illustrates a mechanism for early reporting in EPS fallback, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 13 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for reducing power consumption in a wireless device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the apparatus, one or more components of the apparatus may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”

The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . . ” or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”

It can be noted that term “5G”, “NR” have been interchangeably used.

It can be noted that term “wireless device”, “user equipment (UE)” and “device” have been interchangeably used.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having an ordinary skill in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A wireless communication device camped in connected mode on a serving cell/master node can be configured with measurement gaps, which are time intervals during which the wireless communication device can tune away from the serving cell to measure a second cell/secondary node. The wireless communication device can then send a measurement report to the serving cell based on the measurement of the second cell. The measurement report is also used to enter the wireless device in a dual connectivity mode. For example, let us assume that the wireless device is connected to a master node and the device is being entered into a dual connectivity mode. To activate the dual connectivity mode, the wireless device is to be added to the secondary nide. The secondary node (SN) addition procedure is initiated by the master node (MN) and is used to establish a UE context at the SN to provide radio resources from the SN to the UE. As shown in fig. 1, MN sends gNB addition request to SN where MN also provides the latest measurement results for SN to choose and configure the SCG (Secondary Cell group) cell(s). In an option, MN node is LTE and SN Node is NR Cell. In another scenario, NM Node is NR cell and SN Node is LTE cell.

Also, there are multiple application which sends data at short interval. For example, whatsapp messages are sent frequently at short internal. Similarly, during streaming, modem download the data from network and buffering stops. After playing buffered data, again download is started. In such cases, LTE modem moves from idle state to connected state. After moving to LTE connected state, network adds 5G in dual connectivity. It means that modem frequently moves from idle to connected state, and 5G measurements are performed, whenever the device moves to connected state.

However, performing such measurements at such short intervals can be quite costly to the wireless communication device in terms of power consumption.

Hence, there is a need in the art to provide techniques which overcome the above discussed problems in the art.

Figure 2 illustrates a mechanism to generate measurement report, in accordance with existing art. Let us assume that the wireless device is connected to a LTE network. Whenever LTE moves to connected state, the network configures new radio (NR) measurements. The wireless device measures NR signal and sends measurement report to the network if NR cell measurement event criteria is met. It can be noted that the NR cell measurement event criteria is known to a person skilled in the art. NR is added based on the measurement report and indicated NR cell by the device. Thereafter, data is transferred over LTE and NR. However, if there is no data to be transferred, network releases RRC connection. This procedure is followed whenever the device moves to connected state in a 5G area. However, if the device is present in same area with low mobility, then 5G measurements are overhead and causes power consumption. Also, E-UTRAN New Radio - Dual Connectivity (ENDC) capable device have RF chains for LTE, RF chains for FR1 NR, and mmwave RF chain is separate for very high frequency signal processing. Hence, sending the same measurement report when the user equipment is not moving results in signalling overhead and more power consumption.

Figure 3 illustrates method-steps in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an implementation as depicted in Fig. 3, the present subject matter refers to a method for reducing power consumption in a wireless device. The method 300 at step 301 comprises performing measurement of a secondary node signal using additional Rx chains, when the wireless device is connected to a primary node. As known to a person skilled in the art, LTE/4G uses one RX chain but NR/5G uses two Rx chains, i.e. one for frequency FR1 and other for frequency FR2. Hence, a wireless device supporting NR/5G would have three Rx chains, therefore having an additional Rx chain. Hence, in an embodiment, the measurement of the secondary node may be performed using this additional Rx chain. In an alternate embodiment, the measurement of the secondary node may be performed without using this additional Rx chain.

In an exemplary embodiment, primary node is a lower generation communication network, such as LTE and secondary node is a higher generation communication network, such as 5G. In an alternate embodiment, the primary node is a higher generation communication network, such as 5G and secondary node is a lower generation communication network, such as LTE.

In an embodiment, the wireless device may receive a secondary node addition request from a network prior to performing measurement of the secondary node. The wireless device then may process a secondary node addition request received from the network and perform the measurement of the secondary node in response to the received request. It should be noted that the secondary node addition request may be processed in accordance with 3GPP standards.

Also, the measurement of the secondary node using additional Rx chains may be performed with or without measurement gaps. As known to a person skilled in the art, a wireless device may be provided measurement gaps i.e. predetermined time period to perform measurement of secondary node. In an embodiment, the wireless device may perform the measurement of the secondary node in these measurement gaps or randomly i.e. not in these measurement gaps.

In an embodiment, the measurement of the secondary node includes network parameters of the secondary node. In an embodiment, the network parameter may be reference signal received power (RSRP) and reference signal received quality (RSRQ) i.e. signal strength and quality of service (QoS) of the secondary node.

Then, at step 303, the method 300 may comprise generating a measurement report based on the measurement of the secondary node. After generating the measurement report, the method 300, at step 305, may store the measurement report in a memory of the wireless device.

Thereafter, at step 307, the metho 300 may determine a mobility state of the wireless device, wherein the mobility state indicates a state of motion of the wireless device. It shall be noted that the mobility state of the wireless device may be determined in many ways. For example, the mobility state of the wireless device may be determined as a high mobility state if FR2 cell connected with the wireless device is changed within a predetermined time period. In an embodiment, let us assume that the wireless device is connected to a FR2 cell having PCI (physical call identifier) as PCI1. After a predetermined period, for example 2 minutes, the PCI changes, for example to PCI2. It would mean that the wireless device is in high mobility state i.e. the wireless device is moving. Hence, if PCI of the FR2 cell is changing in a predetermined time period, that means the wireless device is in high mobility state. It should be noted that the predetermined time period is configurable and can be configured as per requirement.

In another embodiment, the mobility state of the wireless device may be determined as a high mobility state if a number of visible WiFi in a communication range of the wireless device is changed within a predetermined time period. For example, let us assume at time t1, 3 Wi-Fis are in the range of the wireless device, but after 2 minutes the number of visible Wi-Fis change to 4, then it means the wireless device is moving and is in high mobility state. It should be noted that the predetermined time period is configurable and can be configured as per requirement.

In another embodiment, the mobility state of the wireless device may be determined as a high mobility state if a number of visible Bluetooth in a communication range of the wireless device is changed within a predetermined time period. For example, let us assume at time t1, 3 Bluetooth devices are in the range of the wireless device, but after 2 minutes the number of visible Bluetooth change to 4, then it means the wireless device is moving and is in high mobility state. It should be noted that the predetermined time period is configurable and can be configured as per requirement.

The mobility state of the wireless device may be determined as a low mobility state if measurements of at least one neighbouring cell are changed within a predetermined range within a predetermined time period or if measurements of a serving cell are changed within the predetermined range within a predetermined time period. In an embodiment, the measurements of the neighbouring cell and/or the serving cell may be reference signal received power (RSRP) and reference signal received quality (RSRQ) i.e. signal strength and quality of service (QoS) of the neighbouring cell and/or the serving cell. In an embodiment, the predetermined range may be configurable and can be configured as per requirement. For example, the predetermined range for RSRP may be -5 to +5 dbm and the predetermined range for RSRP may be -2 to +2 dB in 2 minutes. Hence, if the RSRP and RSRQ values of the neighbouring cell and/or the serving cell change within this predetermined range, that means the wireless device is static and is in low mobility state. On the hand, if the RSRP and RSRQ values of the neighbouring cell and/or the serving cell change beyond this predetermined range, that means the wireless device is moving and is in high mobility state. It should be noted that the predetermined range is configurable and can be configured as per requirement. It should be noted that the predetermined time period is configurable and can be configured as per requirement.

In another embodiment, the mobility state of the wireless device may be determined by determining a change in position of the wireless device within a predetermined time period by using at least one location service. For example, if the location of the wireless device is changed within the predetermined time, for example, 2 minutes, then the wireless device is moving and is in high mobility state. However, if the location of the wireless device is not changed within the predetermined time, for example, 2 minutes, then the wireless device is static and is in low mobility state. It should be noted that the predetermined time period is configurable and can be configured as per requirement. It shall be noted that the mobility state may be determined using any other technique known to a person skilled in the art.

After determining that the mobility state of the wireless device is low mobility i.e. the wireless device is static in its position, the method 300, at step 309, may send the stored measurement report to a network. However, if the mobility state of the wireless device is determined as high mobility state i.e. the wireless device has moved from its previous position, then the wireless device may generate a new measurement report based on the measurement of the secondary node and may send the new measurement report to the network.

Figure 4 illustrates a mechanism for generating measurement report, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 4, the wireless device is connected in idle state to a LTE network. Then, the wireless device monitors its mobility state using FR2 signal detection. ENDC capable device can find any FR2 cell coverage (belonging to any PLMN for determining that device is present at same location). It shall be noted that the mobility state may be determined using any other technique as discussed above or any other technique known to a person skilled in the art. If the device does not detect same location using mmwave i.e. if the device is not in same location, then the device follows known secondary node addition procedure. However, if the device is in same location (same FR2 cell is visible), then the device may perform NR (FR1) measurement for second node addition only once. The device may store these measurements if LTE and NR measurements are above a predefined threshold. In an embodiment, the predefined threshold may be based on reference signal received power (RSRP) and reference signal received quality (RSRQ) i.e. signal strength and quality of service (QoS). The predefined threshold is configurable and may be configured as per requirement. For example, threshold for RSRP may be -110 and RSRQ may be -16. In the same location, if the device gets request again for NR measurement, then device may use stored measurement results and send the stored measurement report to network for secondary node addition. The stored measurements may be used for subsequent measurement reporting for secondary node addition when the device is present in same location area. If there is some mobility then device will delete previously stored measurement results and generate a new measurement report. This way, the disclosed method ensures that the device performs NR measurements using different Rx Chain only once in low mobility scenarios.

Figure 5 illustrates EPS fallback procedure, in accordance with existing art. EPS Fallback enables the wireless device to use the 5GC with NR, but the network may trigger moving the phone to EPC during call establishment. The reason for moving the device to LTE may be:

● temporary lack of radio resources in NR for voice.

● the device is in area where NR signal coverage is poor.

During fallback to EPC, the device performs measurements on LTE cells and send measurement report to eNB. The device camps on LTE and is now in LTE connected state. After call activity is completed, the device moves back to 5GC. However, if the device is static, then the device still performs measurement on same LTE cells every time during EPS fallback and measurement result will also be same. This extra power consumption during repeated measurements can be avoided.

Figure 6 illustrates EPS fallback procedure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 6, the wireless device, which is ENDC capable, monitors mobility state using FR2 mmwave cell detection. If same FR2 cell is visible, then the device can determine that device is present at same location. If device is in high mobility state, then the device will follow known EPS fallback procedure. However, if device is in low mobility state or static, then the device may perform LTE measurement for EPS fallback only once. The device may store these measurements if LTE and NR measurements are above predefined threshold. In same low mobility state, if the device gets request again for LTE measurement during EPS fallback, then device can use stored measurement results and send the stored measurement report to network for EPS fallback. The stored measurements are used for subsequent Measurement reporting for EPS fallback when device is in low mobility state or static. If there is some mobility then device will delete previously stored measurement results. This way, the proposed method ensures that the device performs LTE measurements using different Rx Chain only once in low mobility scenarios.

Figure 7 illustrates a mechanism for LTE addition in NEDC, in accordance with existing art. It is known that whenever NR moves to connected state, the network configures LTE measurements if LTE secondary cell is needed for NEDC configuration. The device measures LTE signal and sends measurement report to network if LTE cell measurement event criteria is met. LTE is added based on measurement report. Then, the data is transferred over LTE and NR. However, if there is no more data, the network releases RRC connection. This procedure is followed whenever UE moves to connected state in 5G area. If the device is present in same area with low mobility then LTE measurements are overhead and causes power consumption. This procedure is performed every time whenever device moves to connected state due to data activity.

Figure 8 illustrates a mechanism for LTE addition in NEDC, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 8, the wireless device, which is ENDC capable, monitors mobility state using FR2 mmwave cell detection. If same FR2 cell is visible, then the device may determine that device is present at same location. If device is in mobility state, then the device follows normal secondary node addition procedure in NEDC. If the device is in low mobility state or static, the device may perform LTE measurement for secondary node addition only once. The device may store these measurements if LTE and NR measurements are above predefined threshold. In same low mobility state, if device gets request again for NR measurement, then device can use stored measurement results and send measurement report to the network for LTE SCG (secondary node) addition. The stored measurements may be used for subsequent measurement reporting for LTE SCG addition when device is in low mobility state or static. If there is some mobility, then the device will delete previously stored measurement results. This way, the method ensures that the device performs LTE measurements using different Rx Chain only once in low mobility scenarios.

Figures 9a and 9b illustrate a mechanism for Rel-16 Early addition, in accordance with existing art. As known to a person skilled in the art, the device performs early measurements in idle/inactive mode for frequencies configured in MeasIdleConfigSIB and MeasIdleConfigDedicated. Due to data activity, the devices moves to LTE connected state. The device may indicate idle mode measurement to network. The data is transferred over LTE and NR. If there is no more data available, the network releases RRC connection. This procedure is followed whenever the device moves to connected state in 5G area. If the device is present in same area with low mobility then 5G measurements in idle modes are overhead and causes power consumption. The procedure is performed every time whenever devices moves to connected state due to data activity.

Figure 10 illustrates a mechanism for Rel-16 Early addition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 10, the ENDC capable device monitors mobility state using FR2 mmwave cell detection. If same FR2 cell is visible, then the device may determine that device is present at same location. If the device is in mobility state, then the device follows known Rel-16 SCG addition procedure in ENDC. The device performs early measurements in idle/inactive mode for frequencies configured in MeasIdleConfigSIB and MeasIdleConfigDedicated. However, if the device is in low mobility state or static, the device may perform LTE measurement for SCG addition only once. The device may store these measurements if LTE and NR measurements are above predefined threshold. Due to data activity, the device move to LTE connected state. The device may indicate idle mode measurement to network. The network request for idle mode measurements and SCG is added. Later, once data is transferred then network releases connection. In same low mobility state, the device may use stored measurement results and indicate to network that measurements results are available during connection setup. This will avoid idle mode NR measurements. The stored measurements may be used for subsequent measurement reporting for LTE SCG addition when device is in low mobility state or static. If there is some mobility, then the device will delete previously stored measurement results. This way, the method ensures that the device performs NR measurements using different Rx Chain only once in low mobility scenarios.

Figure 11 illustrates a mechanism for early reporting in SCG addition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In known method, during SCG cell addition, the device needs to perform measurements, and if measurement satisfy event reporting criteria for given time to trigger then measurement report is triggered. Later, network adds SCG cell based on measurement report. However, as shown in fig. 11, in disclosed method, as device is able to send stored measurements based on mobility state, device can send early measurement reports to network. In an embodiment, if early reporting is also used then it can improve SCG addition time by approximately 400 msec along with power saving.

Figure 12 illustrates a mechanism for early reporting in EPS fallback, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In known method, during EPS fallback, the device needs to perform measurements, and if measurement satisfy event reporting criteria for given time to trigger then measurement report is triggered. Later, network triggers handover or redirection to LTE cell based on measurement report. However, as shown in fig. 12, in disclosed method, as device is able to send stored measurements based on mobility state, device can send early measurement reports to network. In an embodiment, if early reporting is also used then it can improve EPS fallback time by approximately 400 msec along with power saving.

Fig. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus 1300 for reducing power consumption in a wireless device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the apparatus 1300 may comprise a memory 1301 and a processor 1303. The processor 1303 is coupled to the memory 1301. In an embodiment, the processor 1303 may be configured to perform the method as discussed in respect to figs. 3, 4, 6, 8, 10-12.

In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 1303 may be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor 1303 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 1303 may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory. The processor 1303 may include one or a plurality of processors. At this time, one or a plurality of processors may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and/or an AI-dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU). One or a plurality of processors control the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence (AI) model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory 1301. The predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence model is provided through training or learning.

In an embodiment, the memory 1301 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed techniques may provide following advantages:

1) NR measurement when device is static or in same area, saves power when frequent data is transmitted.

2) Faster EPS fallback in static and low mobility cases. Reduces fallback time approximately 500 ms (Total EPS fallback time approximately 4 seconds)

3) Quick NR addition (300 to 500 ms faster)

4) The disclosed method may be implemented in device side based on mobility state detection, and can be used for power saving.

5) Power saving during EPS fallback method by reusing stored measurements in low mobility case or static case.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. 　

The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein.

Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.

Claims

A method for reducing power consumption in a wireless device, the method comprising:

performing measurement of a secondary node using additional Rx chains, in case that the wireless device is connected to a primary node;

generating a measurement report based on the measurement of the secondary node;

storing the measurement report in a memory;

determining a mobility state of the wireless device, wherein the mobility state indicates a state of motion of the wireless device; and

sending the stored measurement report to a network upon determining the mobility state as low mobility state.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a secondary node addition request from the network; and

processing the secondary node addition request received from the network.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining the mobility state of the wireless device as a high mobility state;

generating a new measurement report based on the measurement of the secondary node; and

sending the new measurement report to the network upon determining the mobility state as high mobility state,

wherein the mobility state of the wireless device is determined as the high mobility state in cast that at least one of FR2 cell connected with the wireless device is changed within a predetermined time period, a number of visible WiFi in a communication range of the wireless device is changed within a predetermined time period, or a number of visible Bluetooth in a communication range of the wireless device is changed within a predetermined time period.
The method of claim 1, wherein the measurement of the secondary node using additional Rx chains is performed without measurement gaps, or the measurement of the secondary node using additional Rx chains is performed with measurement gaps, and

wherein the measurement of the secondary node includes network parameters of the secondary node.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining the mobility state of the wireless device after a predetermined time has lapsed; and

sending the stored measurement report to the network upon determining the mobility state as the low mobility state,

wherein the mobility state of the wireless device is determined as the low mobility state in case that at least one of measurements of at least one neighbouring cell are changed within a predetermined range within a predetermined time period or measurements of a serving cell are changed within a predetermined range within a predetermined time period.
The method of claim 1, wherein determining the mobility state of the wireless device comprises:

determining a change in position of the wireless device by using at least one location service.
The method of claim 1, wherein the primary node is a lower generation communication network and secondary node is a higher generation communication network, or the primary node is a higher generation communication network and secondary node is a lower generation communication network.
The method of claim 1, further comprises:

sending stored measurement report for EPS fallback in case that the device is in the low mobility state, or

sending stored measurement report as early measurement report for SCG addition scenario or EPS fallback in ENDC/NEDC dual connectivity, in case that the wireless device is in the low mobility state.
An apparatus for reducing power consumption in a wireless device, the apparatus comprising:

a memory; and

a processor coupled to the memory and configured to:

perform measurement of a secondary node signal using additional Rx chains, in case that the wireless device is connected to a primary node,

generate a measurement report based on the measurement of the secondary node,

store the measurement report in a memory,

determine a mobility state of the wireless device, wherein the mobility state indicates a state of motion of the wireless device, and

send the stored measurement report to a network upon determining the mobility state as low mobility state.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to:

receive a secondary node addition request from the network, and

process secondary node addition request received from the network.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to:

determine the mobility state of the wireless device as a high mobility state,

generate a new measurement report based on the measurement of the secondary node, and

send the new measurement report to the network upon determining the mobility state as high mobility state, and

wherein the mobility state of the wireless device is determined as the high mobility state in cast that at least one of FR2 cell connected with the wireless device is changed within a predetermined time period, a number of visible WiFi in a communication range of the wireless device is changed within a predetermined time period, or a number of visible Bluetooth in a communication range of the wireless device is changed within a predetermined time period.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the measurement of the secondary node using additional Rx chains is performed without measurement gaps, or the measurement of the secondary node using additional Rx chains is performed with measurement gaps,

wherein the measurement of the secondary node includes network parameters of the secondary node, and

wherein the primary node is a lower generation communication network and secondary node is a higher generation communication network, or the primary node is a higher generation communication network and secondary node is a lower generation communication network.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to:

determine the mobility state of the wireless device after a predetermined time has lapsed; and

send the stored measurement report to the network upon determining the mobility state as the low mobility state, and

wherein the mobility state of the wireless device is determined as the low mobility state in case that at least one of measurements of at least one neighbouring cell are changed within a predetermined range within a predetermined time period or measurements of a serving cell are changed within a predetermined range within a predetermined time period.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to determine a change in position of the wireless device by using at least one location service within a predetermined time period.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to:

send stored measurement report for EPS fallback, when the device is in low mobility state, or

send stored measurement report as early measurement report for SCG addition scenario or EPS fallback in ENDC/NEDC dual connectivity, in case that the wireless device is in the low mobility state.