WO2025148288A1

WO2025148288A1 - Using overlapping measurement gaps method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2025148288A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/109395
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jiajun Xu; Jianqiang DAI; Chenchen Zhang; Bo Dai; Mengzhu CHEN; Jun Xu; Hong Tang
Original assignee: ZTE Corp
Current assignee: ZTE Corp
Priority date: 2024-08-02
Filing date: 2024-08-02
Publication date: 2025-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2027-02-02

Abstract

Amethod of wireless communication includes receiving, by a wireless device, a network signaling associated with one or more configurations of N time durations, where N is a positive integer, receiving, by the wireless device, a first signaling that determines validity of the N time durations; and for each time duration in the N time durations, performing a measurement or a communication operation depending on validity for the each time duration according to the first signaling.

Description

USING OVERLAPPING MEASUREMENT GAPS METHOD AND APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent document is directed to digital communications.

BACKGROUND

Mobile communication technologies are moving the world toward an increasingly connected and networked society. The rapid growth of mobile communications and advances in technology have led to greater demand for capacity and connectivity. Other aspects, such as energy consumption, device cost, spectral efficiency, and latency are also important to meeting the needs of various communication scenarios. Various techniques, including new ways to provide higher quality of service, longer battery life, and improved performance are being discussed.

SUMMARY

This patent document describes, among other things, techniques for managing configuration of multiple measurement gaps for wireless devices.

In one example aspect, a method for wireless communication includes receiving, by a wireless device, a network signaling associated with N time durations, where N is a positive integer; receiving, by the wireless device, a first signaling that determines validity of the N time durations; and for each time duration in the N time durations, performing a measurement or a communication operation depending on validity for the each time duration according to the first signaling.

In another example aspect, a method for wireless communication includes transmitting, by a network device to a wireless device, a network signaling associated with N time durations, where N is a positive integer; transmitting, by the network device to the wireless device, a first signaling that determines validity of the N time durations configuring the wireless device to perform, for each time duration in the N time durations, a measurement or a communication operation depending on validity for the each time duration according to the first signaling.

In another example aspect, a communication apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one processor that is configured to cause the communication apparatus above- described method.

In yet another example aspect, a computer-program storage medium is disclosed. The computer-program storage medium includes code stored thereon. The code, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to cause a communication apparatus to implement a described method.

These, and other, aspects are described in the present document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a measurement gap.

FIGS. 2 -12B show various example on how the first signaling indicates validity of time duration.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a wireless communication system where techniques in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram representation of a portion of a hardware platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied.

FIGS. 15A-15B are flowchart for wireless communication method examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Section headings are used in the present document only to improve readability and do not limit scope of the disclosed embodiments and techniques in each section to only that section. Furthermore, some embodiments are described with reference to Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) or Sixth Generation (6G) standard for ease of understanding and the described technology may be implemented in different wireless system that implement protocols other than the NR or 6G protocol.

1. Initial discussion

In beyond 5G and 6G communication, Metaverse and multi-modality service will be important application which would challenge the requirements of air interface. For example, next generation communication networks may need to support data communication with lower latency and higher efficiency compared to current protocols. One dramatic problem associated with current protocols is that a packet is limited to be scheduled when they are in a duration for measurement (e.g., measurement takes priority over packet transmission) , which cause large scheduling/transmission delay. This patent document provides techniques that can be used, among other uses, to relax the schedule restriction in the overlapped duration for measurement and provide some schemes to relax the schedule restriction dynamically in finer granularity.

2. Example framework for use of multiple measurement gaps

In some embodiments, there are some scheduling restrictions for different measurement cases. During the per-UE measurement gaps, the UE may not be required to conduct reception/transmission from/to the corresponding E-UTRAN PCell, E-UTRAN SCell (s) and NR (New Radio) serving cells for E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity except the reception of signals used for RRM (radio resource measurement) measurement (s) and the signals used for random access procedure. Here, E-UTRAN refers to Evolved-UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) Terrestrial Radio Access Network specified by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) .

In some embodiments, overlapped measurement gap may be defined as follows:

Either, the two occasions are fully or partially overlapping in time domain;

and/or, the distance between the two occasions is equal to or smaller than 4ms. In this case, the distance between two measurement gap occasions is defined as the time difference between the ending point of the first occasion and the starting point of the second occasion, where the first measurement gap occasion occurs earlier in time than the second measurement gap occasion.

FIG. 1 shows an example timeline of communications operations in a wireless network (e.g., transmissions or receptions) occurring along the horizontal axis as time. The time may be divided into slots that carry the wireless traffic. The measurement gap length may be sufficiently long to include actual measurement window and retuning time (e.g., from transmission to reception or vice versa both at the beginning and at the end of the measurement gap. Within the gap and inside the RF returning interval, an actual measurement window may be configured, with all or a portion of the time of the actual measurement window is configured for synchronization signal block (SSB) -based radio resource measurement (RRM) Timing Configuration window (SMTC) .

One problem that may exist in wireless systems is that. assuming that there are two overlapped measurement gap occasion, ambiguous UE behavior may occur after just one bit for indicating the scheduling restriction relaxation for the next measurement gap. An example of this scenario is shown in FIG. 2. In this figure, the upper horizontal axis shows a timeline where low priority (LP) measurement gaps are configured, while the lower horizontal axis shows a timeline where high priority (HP) measurement gaps are configured. If there is no DCI signaling to indicate the overlapped time durations, the LP time duration (i.e., time duration 2) would be dropped. See the second or third time duration 2 in the time duration configuration 2 in FIG. 2. In this figure, the first signaling is DCI signaling, where time duration 1 (first time duration 1 in the time duration configuration 1 in the figure) is canceled for measurement and allow data/signal/signaling transmission/reception, which is indicated by the DCI signaling. In this case, the time duration 2 (first time duration 2 in the time duration configuration 2 in the figure) overlapped with time duration is ambiguous for UE. UE does not know whether the time duration 2 is used for measurement or not used for measurement. The techniques described in the present document address, among other problems, the problem described above.

3. Introduction to embodiments

Targeting the problem mentioned before, it is beneficial to consider how the signaling for relaxing scheduling restriction for the measurement gap indicates in the scenario of overlapped MG (measurement gap) occasions belonging to different MG configurations. The possible solutions include the following.

When the signaling includes a bitmap for the measurement gap. The meanings of one bit indication should be clarified.

For example, in some cases, the bit only indicates the measurement gap with high priority. If the high priority measurement gap is released by the signaling, the low priority measurement gap is activated.

In some cases, the bit only indicates the measurement gap with low priority.

One example method implemented on the downlink side may include: receiving, by the wireless device, a network signaling, wherein the network signaling is associated with a configuration of a time duration, receiving, by the wireless device, a first signaling, wherein the first signaling determines the validity of the time duration, and performing measurement in the valid time duration, and/or perform data/signaling reception in invalid time duration.

One example method implemented on the uplink side may include receiving, by the wireless device, a network signaling, wherein the network signaling is associated with a configuration of a time duration, receiving, by the wireless device, a first signaling, wherein the first signaling determines the validity of the time duration, and performing measurement in the valid time duration, and/or perform data/signaling transmission in the invalid time duration.

Furthermore, as disclosed throughout the present document, the disclosed techniques can be used to solve operational technical problems related to: (a) he first signaling for relaxing the scheduling restriction in gap/restriction and the definition of the time duration, (b) he definition of the overlapped time duration, and (c) how a first signaling indicates the time duration. Various embodiments are described in this document by referring to FIGS. 3 to 12B where the horizontal axis represents time on which various events, such as transmission (and reception) of a downlink signal and occurrence of time durations (e.g., measurement or communication durations) are depicted.

4. Embodiments examples of the first signaling and time duration

In various embodiments, the time duration includes at least one of the following: a measurement gap occasion, a synchronization signaling/physical broadcast channel block (SSB) -based measurement timing configuration (SMTC window) , or a network control small gap (NCSG) .

In some embodiments, the time duration is used for at least one of the following measurement: Intra-frequency measurement, Inter-frequency measurement, Layer 1 reference signaling receiving power (RSRP) measurement, Layer 1 signaling to interference and noise ratio (SINR) measurement, Cross link interference measurements, Channel State information -Reference signal (CSI-RS) based L3 measurement, or New radio (NR) measurements (applicable for cell global identifier, CGI, identification of an intra frequency and inter frequency NR target cell) .

In some embodiments, the first signaling includes at least one of the following: a higher layer parameter, e.g., RRC signaling, a media access control, control element, MAC CE signaling, and/or a downlink control information, DCI signaling.

In some cases, the first signaling includes a higher layer parameter, e.g., RRC signaling. In some cases, the RRC signaling is associated with the measurement occasion. For one example, the RRC signaling is MeasGapConfig. For one example, the RRC signaling is MeasObjectNR.

In some cases, the first signaling includes a DCI signaling. In some cases, the DCI signaling is DCI format 1_0. In some cases, the DCI signaling is DCI format 1_1. In some cases, the DCI signaling is DCI format 1_2. In some cases, the DCI signaling is DCI format 0_0. In some cases, the DCI signaling is DCI format 0_1. In some cases, the DCI signaling is DCI format 0_2.

In some cases, the first signaling includes an RRC signaling or a DCI signaling.

In some cases, the first signaling comprises at least one of the following: a bitmap or a time window. The bitmap may be used for indicating validity of following time durations. In some cases, the valid time durations are the time durations during which wireless devices (UE) perform measurement. In such cases, the measurement may include inter-frequency measurement. In some cases, the measurement includes an intra-frequency measurement. In some cases, the measurement includes Layer 1 reference signaling receiving power (RSRP) measurement. In some cases, the measurement includes Layer 1 signaling to interference and noise ratio (SINR) measurement. In such cases, the measurement includes cross link interference measurements. In such cases, the measurement includes channel state information -reference signal (CSI-RS) based L3 measurement. In such cases, the measurement includes new radio (NR) measurements (applicable for cell global identifier, CGI, identification of an intra frequency and inter frequency NR target cell) .

In some cases, the invalid time durations are the time durations UE perform communication operation. In some cases, the communication operation comprises or is data/control information (signaling) /reference signal transmission/reception. In some cases, data transmission includes physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmission. In some cases, control information transmission includes physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission. In some cases, reference signal transmission includes sounding reference signal, SRS transmission. In some cases, data reception includes physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) reception. In some cases, control information reception includes physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) reception. In some cases, reference signal transmission includes tracking reference signal reception. In some cases, reference signal transmission includes channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) reception.

In some embodiments, a time window may be used for indicating validity of following time durations. Some examples include:

In some cases, the time durations in the time window are valid time durations.

In some cases, the time durations in the time window are invalid time durations.

In some cases, a subset of time durations in the time window are valid time durations.

In some cases, a subset of time durations in the time window are invalid time durations

5. Overlapped time duration examples

In some cases, one or more configurations are configured for a wireless device. For example, N time durations in N time duration configurations may be configured for a wireless device. In some cases, a network signaling is used for configuring N time durations in N time duration configurations, where N is a positive integer. In some cases, N time durations includes first time duration and second time duration for one UE. In some cases, the second time duration is overlapping with the first time duration. In some cases, the network signaling is a RRC signaling. For example, the network signaling is GapConfig-r17. As another example, the network signaling is MeasObjectNR. As one other example, the network signaling is MeasGapConfig.

In some embodiments, N time durations are configured in N time duration configurations. In some cases, a first time duration belongs to the first time duration configuration. In some cases, a second time duration belong to the second time duration configuration.

In some embodiments, a time duration comprises or is a measurement gap occasion, a time duration configuration comprises/is measurement gap.

In some cases, the parameters of first time duration configuration are different from the parameters of the second time duration configuration. Alternatively, or in addition, the different parameters include periodicity parameters. In various examples, the periodicity of the first time duration is different from that of the second time duration. In some cases, the periodicity is denoted by measurement gap repetition period. For example, the periodicity is determined by mgrp in RRC signaling MeasGapConfig. As one other example, the periodicity of the first time duration is 20ms, while the periodicity of the second time duration is 40ms. Alternatively, or in addition, the different parameters include offset parameters. In this case, the offset parameter is denoted by gap offset of the gap pattern within MGRP. For example, the offset is determined by gapOffset in MeasGapConfig. For one other example, the periodicity of the first time duration and that of the second time duration are same, e.g., 20ms, while offset of the first time duration is 0ms, and offset of the second time duration is 4ms. In some cases, periodicity and offset parameter determines the first subframe of each time duration occurring. For example, the first subframe of each time duration occurs at an SFN (system frame number) and subframe meeting the condition including:

SFN mod T = FLOOR (gapOffset/10) ;

Subframe = gapOffset mod 10

with T = MGRP/10,

where MGRP is periodicity parameter, ‘subframe’ denotes the subframe index within a system frame, ‘SFN’ denotes the system frame index and ‘FLOOR’ denotes the flooring operation (highest integer less than or equal to a value) .

Alternatively, the different parameters indicate a length of the time duration. In this case, the length of the time duration is denoted by the measurement gap length (mgl) . For example, the length of the time duration is determined by mgl in the RRC signaling measGapConfig. For other example, the periodicity of the first time duration and that of the second time duration are same, e.g., 20ms, while the length of the first time duration is 5ms and the length of the second time duration is 6ms.

In some cases, the first time durations in the first time duration configuration are in high priority, while the second time durations in the second time duration configuration are in low priority. In some cases, the priority of the time duration is determined by a RRC signaling. For example, the priority is determined by gapPriority-r17 in MeasGapConfig.

In some cases, a first time duration and a second time duration are overlapped, which satisfies: The first time duration and the second time duration are fully or partially overlapping in the time domain, and/or the distance between the ending point of the first time duration and the starting point of the second time duration is equal to or smaller than a threshold. In some cases, the threshold is 4 milliseconds.

6. Examples of first signaling indicating overlapped time duration

In some cases, the first signaling is a bitmap for indicating validity of following time durations.

6.1 Examples of 1 bit length bitmap

In some embodiments, the first signaling comprises a bitmap indicating validity of the N time durations. In an embodiment, the length of bitmap is associated with N. In an embodiment, N is relevant to the number of the time duration configurations. For example, N is the number of the time duration configurations. For example, N is the maximum number of the time duration configurations UE can support. In an embodiment, when the number of actual configured time duration configurations is smaller than the maximum number of the time duration configurations UE can support, the bitmap indicates validity of the N time durations starting from the most significant bit. For one example, the number of the actually configured time duration configurations is 2 and the maximum number of the time duration configurations UE can support is 3. In this case, the least significant bit (LSB) is a reserved bit. In this case, the bitmap is ‘XXR’ , where X = 0 or 1 and R denotes as reserved bit. In an embodiment, when the number of actual configured time duration configurations is smaller than the maximum number of the time duration configurations UE can support, the bitmap indicates validity of the N time durations starting from the least significant bit. For one example, the number of the actually configured time duration configurations is 2 and the maximum number of the time duration configurations UE can support is 3. In this case, the most significant bit (MSB) is a reserved bit. In this case, the bitmap is ‘RXX’ , where X = 0 or 1 and R denotes as reserved bit.

In some embodiments, N is relevant to the number of the time durations. In an embodiment, N is the number of actual activated time duration configurations. For example, N is the number of ‘1’ in the bit string preConfGapStatus.

In an embodiment, the length of bitmap is associated with UE capability. For example, alternatively, when concurrentPerUE-OnlyMeasGap-r17 is supported, N is larger than 1. Alternatively, when concurrentPerUE-OnlyMeasGap-r17 is not supported, N is equal to 1. For example, alternatively, when concurrentPerUE-PerFRCombMeasGap-r17 is supported, N is larger than 1. Alternatively, when concurrentPerUE-PerFRCombMeasGap-r17 is not supported, N is equal to 1. As another example, alternatively, when preconfiguredNW-ControlledMeasGap is supported, N is larger than 1. Alternatively, when preconfiguredNW-ControlledMeasGap is not supported, N is equal to 1. As another example, alternatively, when preconfiguredUE-AutonomousMeasGap is supported, N is larger than 1. Alternatively, when preconfiguredUE-AutonomousMeasGap is not supported, N is equal to 1.

In some embodiments, a single bit corresponds to M first time duration. In an embodiment, a first value of the single bit indicates that the M first time durations are valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates that the M first time durations are invalid. In some cases, the length of bitmap is 1. In this case, one bit corresponds to the M first time duration. Alternatively, bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration is invalid, while bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration is valid. Alternatively, bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration is invalid, while bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration is valid. In this case, when the first time duration is invalid, the second time duration is valid. In this case, UE assumes the second time duration is firstly dropped (i.e., invalid) , then the first time duration is indicated by the first signaling.

In some embodiments, a single bit corresponds to N time durations. In an embodiment, a first value of the single bit indicates that the first time duration and the second time duration are valid, while a second value of the single bit indicates that the first time duration and the second time duration are invalid. In an embodiment, N = 2. In this case, one bit corresponds to the first time duration and the second time duration. Alternatively, bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration and the second time duration are invalid, while bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration and second time duration are valid. Alternatively, bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration and the second time duration are invalid, while bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration and second time duration are valid. Alternatively, bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration and the second time duration are invalid, while bit ‘0’ indicates no meanings. Alternatively, bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration and the second time duration are invalid, while bit ‘1’ indicates no meanings.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the first signaling is DCI signaling. In this case, a DCI bit in the DCI signaling having value 1 may result in cancellation of time duration 1 in time duration configuration 1 with HP and time duration 1 in time duration configuration 2 with LP. The cancellation of time duration denotes the time duration is invalid.

In some embodiments, a single bit corresponds to M second time durations. In an embodiment, a first value of the single bit indicates that the second time durations are valid, while a second value of the single bit indicates that the second time durations are invalid. In an embodiment, M = 2. In this case, one bit corresponds to the second time duration. Alternatively, bit ‘1’ indicates the second time duration is invalid, while bit ‘0’ indicates the second time duration is valid. Alternatively, bit ‘0’ indicates the second time duration is invalid, while bit ‘1’ indicates the second time duration is valid. In this case, when the second time duration is invalid, the first time duration is valid.

6.2 Examples of bitmap having greater than 1 bit length

In some embodiments, the bitmap comprises a plurality of bits. In an embodiment, each single bit corresponds to one time duration. In an embodiment, the N bits in bitmap have a one-to-one mapping to the N time durations in ascending order of start time of the time duration. In some cases, the start time of the time duration is the first slot of the time duration. In some cases, the start time of the time duration is the first symbol of the time duration.

In some embodiments, the bitmap comprises a plurality of bits. In an embodiment, each single bit corresponds to one time duration. In some cases, the time duration includes the first time duration. In some cases, a first value of the single bit indicates the first time duration is valid. In some cases, a second value of the single bit indicates the first time duration is invalid. In some cases, a second value of the single bit indicates no meanings. In some cases, one bit corresponding to one first time duration. Alternatively, bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration is invalid, while bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration is valid. Alternatively, bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration is invalid, while bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration is valid. In this case, when the first time duration is invalid, the second time duration is valid. In this case, UE assumes the second time duration is firstly dropped (i.e., invalid) , then the first time duration is indicated by the first signaling.

In some embodiments, the bitmap comprises a plurality of bits. In an embodiment, each single bit corresponds to one time duration. In some cases, the time duration includes the first time duration and the second time duration. In some cases, a first value of the single bit indicates the time duration is valid. In some cases, a second value of the single bit indicates the time duration is invalid. In some cases, a second value of the single bit indicates no meanings. In some cases, one bit corresponds to one time duration, including the first time duration and the second time duration. Alternatively, bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration or the second time duration are invalid, while bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration or second time duration are valid. Alternatively, bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration or the second time duration are invalid, while bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration or second time duration are valid. Alternatively, bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration or the second time duration are invalid, while bit ‘0’ indicates no meanings. Alternatively, bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration or the second time duration are invalid, while bit ‘1’ indicates no meanings.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the first signaling is DCI signaling, where the DCI signaling carries a 2-bit bitmap for validity of time duration 1 and time duration 2, where time duration 1 is configured in time duration configuration 1 with HP and time duration 2 is configured in time duration configuration 2 with LP. In this case, the time duration 1 and time duration 2 are overlapped. In the depicted example, the bitmap indicates two “1” bits, which result in cancellation of time duration 1 and time duration 2. In this case, the cancellation of time duration denotes the time duration is invalid.

In some embodiments, the bitmap comprises a plurality of bits. In an embodiment, each bit corresponds to one time duration. In some cases, the time duration includes the first time duration and the second time duration. In some cases, a first value of the single bit indicates the time duration is valid. In some cases, a second value of the single bit indicates the time duration is invalid. In some cases, one bit corresponds to one time duration, when the first time duration is overlapped with the second time duration (including fully and partially overlapped in time domain) . Alternatively, bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration or second time duration is invalid, while bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration or second time duration is valid. Alternatively, bit ‘0’ indicates the first time duration or second time duration is invalid, while bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration or second time duration is valid. Alternatively, bit ‘1’ indicates the first time duration or second time duration is invalid, while bit ‘0’ indicates no meaning. Alternatively, bit ‘0’indicates the first time duration or second time duration is invalid, while bit ‘1’ indicates no meaning. In some embodiments, when the first time duration is indicated by the first value and the second time duration is indicated by the second value or vice versa, the overlapped part between the first time duration and the second time duration in time domain is valid. For example, if the first time duration is indicated by ‘1’ and the second time duration is indicated by ‘0’ , or if the first time duration is indicated by ‘0’ and the second time duration is indicated by‘1’ , the overlapped part of two time durations in time domain is valid. FIG. 5 shows one such example timeline.

As depicted in FIG. 5, the first signaling is DCI signaling, where the DCI signaling carries a 2-bit bitmap to indicate validity of time duration 1 and time duration 2. In the depicted example, the bitmap indicates “10” which results in cancellation of time duration 1 in time duration configuration 1 with HP and activation of time duration 2 in the time duration configuration 2 with LP. The cancellation of time duration denotes the time duration is invalid. The activation of time duration denotes the time duration is valid. In this case, part of time duration (invalid part) is canceled, while the overlapped part of time duration 1 with time duration 2 is still activated (valid) .

In some embodiments, when the first time duration is indicated by the first value and the second time duration is indicated by the second value or vice versa, the overlapped part between the first time duration and the second time duration in time domain is invalid.

In some cases, multiple bits indicate the validity of the one or more time duration (including the first time duration and the second time duration) . In this case, each bits combination corresponds to one state for one or more time duration. In this case, the number of states is associated with the length of the bitmap.

In some embodiments, the first signaling includes an RRC signaling and a DCI signaling. In an embodiment, RRC signaling includes a bitmap for validity of N time durations, including a first time duration and second time duration. In some cases, N bits in a bitmap have one-to-one mapping to the N time duration in ascending order of the starting time. In an embodiment, DCI signaling includes a single bit for validity of one time duration. In this case, DCI signaling is used to overwrite the validity of one time duration configured by the RRC signaling.

6.3 Examples of time window signaling

In some embodiments, the first signaling comprises a single bit for a time window. In an embodiment, the time window includes N time durations. In some cases, a first signaling indicates a time window for indicating validity of time durations. In some cases, a single bit is used for activating or deactivating the time window. In some cases, a first value of the single bit indicates that the time window is activated. In some cases, a second value of the single bit indicates that the time window is deactivated. In some cases, a second value of the single bit indicates no meanings. For example, bit ‘1’ indicates the time window is activated, while bit ‘0’ indicates the time window is deactivated. For another example, bit ‘0’ indicates the time window is activated, while bit ‘1’ indicates the time window is deactivated. FIG. 6 shows one such example timeline.

In some cases, a first signaling includes an enable flag for the time window to determine the time window is available or not. In some cases, the first time durations within the time window are invalid.

In some embodiments, a first signaling includes an index for the time window. In an embodiment, time window is configured by a higher layer parameter with an index. In some cases, when the first signaling indicates the index for the time window, the corresponding time window is activated (available) .

In some cases, the second time durations within the time window are valid. In some cases, UE assumes the second time durations within a time window are firstly dropped (i.e., invalid) , then the first time durations within the time window are invalid. FIG. 6 shows one such example.

In some cases, the first time durations and the second time durations within the time window are invalid. FIG. 7 shows one such example.

In some cases, the first time duration within the time window is valid, while the second time durations within the time window are invalid. FIG. 8A shows one such example.

In some embodiments, the validity of the N time durations is determined according to a rule. In an embodiment, the rule comprises/is the N time durations within the time window are invalid. In an embodiment, N time durations include the first time duration and second time duration. In some embodiments, the N time durations within the time window are valid. In an embodiment, N time durations include the first time duration and second time duration.

As depicted in FIG. 7, the first signaling is DCI signaling. In this case, the DCI signaling includes one bit for activating/deactivating the time window (i.e., valid time duration in the figure) . In this case, bit ‘1’ in DCI signaling means the time window is activated. In this case, there are N=2 time durations in the time window, including time duration 1 (the first time duration) in the time duration configuration 1 with HP and time duration 2 (the second time duration) in the time duration configuration 2 with LP. In this case, the rule is the N time durations within time window are invalid, including the first time duration and the second time duration. In this case, in the time window, time duration 1 and time duration 2 are canceled. In this case, the cancellation of the time duration is that the time duration is invalid.

In some embodiments, the validity of the N time durations is determined according to a rule. In an embodiment, the rule comprises/is the N1 first time durations within the time window are invalid. In an embodiment, the rule comprises/is the N2 second time duration within the time window are valid. In an embodiment, the N1 is equal to or smaller than N and N1 is a positive integer. In an embodiment, the N2 is equal to or smaller than N and N2 is a positive integer.

In some embodiments, the validity of the N time durations is determined according to a rule. In an embodiment, the rule comprises/is the N1 first time durations within the time window are valid. In an embodiment, the rule comprises/is the N2 second time duration within the time window are invalid. In an embodiment, the N1 is equal to or smaller than N and N1 is a positive integer. In an embodiment, the N2 is equal to or smaller than N and N2 is a positive integer.

As depicted in FIG. 6, the first signaling is DCI signaling. In this case, the DCI signaling includes one bit for activating/deactivating the time window. In this case, bit ‘1’ in DCI signaling means the time window is activated. In this case, there are N=2 time durations in the time window, including time duration 1 (the first time duration) in the time duration configuration 1 with HP and time duration 2 (the second time duration) in the time duration configuration 2 with LP. In this case, the rule is that the N1 first time duration within time window are invalid. In this case, the N2 second time durations within time window are valid. In this case, N1 = 1 and N2 = 1. As a result, in the time window, time duration 1 is canceled while the time duration 2 is activated. In this case, the cancellation of the time duration is that the time duration is invalid. In this case, the activation of the measurement gap occasion is that the time duration is valid.

As depicted in FIG. 8A, the first signaling is DCI signaling. In this case, the DCI signaling includes one bit for activating/deactivating the time window. In this case, bit ‘1’ in DCI signaling means the time window is activated. In this case, there are N=2 time durations in the time window, including time duration 1 (the first time duration) in the time duration configuration 1 with HP and time duration 2 (the second time duration) in the time duration configuration 2 with LP. In this case, the rule is the N2 second time duration within time window are invalid. In this case, the N1 first time durations within time window are valid. In this case, N1 = 1 and N2 = 1. As a result, in the time window, time duration 2 is canceled while the time duration 1 is activated. In this case, the cancellation of the time duration is that the time duration is invalid. In this case, the activation of the measurement gap occasion is that the time duration is valid.

In some embodiments, the time window is configured by a higher layer parameter. In an embodiment, the length of the time window is configured by a higher layer parameter. In an embodiment, the periodicity of the time window is configured by a higher layer parameter. In some cases, the higher layer parameter comprises a RRC signaling.

In some embodiments, the validity of the N time durations is determined according to a rule. In an embodiment, the rule comprises that the validity of the N time duration within the time window is associated with the priority of the time duration and the priority of the communication operation. In an embodiment, when the priority of the time duration is higher than the priority of the communication operation in the time window, the wireless device performs measurement. In an embodiment, when the priority of the time duration is lower than the priority of the communication operation in the time window, the wireless device performs the communication operation. In some cases, in the time window, the validity of the time duration is associated with the priority of the time duration and the priority of communication operation in the time window. In some cases, in one time window, the priority from highest to lowest is communication operation priority 1, first time duration, communication operation priority 0, second time duration. In this case, UE executes behavior for highest priority when the communication operation collided with the time duration. For example, when the communication operation with priority 1 collides with the first time duration in the time window, UE performs communication operation in the time window. For another example, when the communication operation with priority 0 collides with the first time duration in the time window, UE performs measurement in the first time duration in the time window.

In some cases, the priority from highest to lowest is determined by a higher layer parameter. In some cases, the priority of communication operation (e.g., data/signaling transmission/reception) is determined by the first signaling. In some cases, one bit determines the priority of communication operation. Alternatively, a first value indicates the communication operation is in high priority. Alternatively, a second value indicates the communication operation is in low priority. For example, bit ‘1’ indicates the communication operation is in high priority, while bit ‘0’ indicates the communication operation is in low priority. For another example, bit ‘0’indicates the communication operation is in high priority, while bit ‘1’ indicates the communication operation is in low priority.

As depicted in FIG. 8B, the first signaling is DCI signaling. In this case, the DCI signaling includes one bit for activating/deactivating the time window. In this case, bit ‘1’ in DCI signaling means the time window is activated. In this case, a higher layer parameter determines the priority relationship for PDSCH (i.e., communication operation) and time duration, i.e., PDSCH priority 1 > time duration priority 1 (i.e., HP) > PDSCH priority 0 > time duration priority 0 (i.e., LP) . In this case, in the time window, if PDSCH priority 1 collides with time duration 1 in time domain, the time duration 1 is canceled based on the priority relationship.

In some embodiments, the first signaling determines the validity of the time duration later than a time offset. In an embodiment, the time offset comprises an interval between the time of first signaling reception and start of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates. In some cases, the time offset comprises an interval between the last symbol of the first signaling reception and the first symbol of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates. In this case, the time of first signaling reception is the last symbol of the first signaling reception. In this case, the start of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates is the first symbols of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates. In some cases, the time offset comprises an interval between the slot of the first signaling reception and the first slot of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates. In this case, the time of the first signaling reception is the slot of the first signaling reception. In this case, the start of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates is the first slot of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates. In this case, the first signaling is applied, when the time offset is larger than a threshold. In this case, the threshold is determined by a higher layer parameter.

FIG. 9 shows an example of two time durations that are determined by a received DCI signaling. As depicted in FIG. 9, the first signaling is a DCI signaling. In this case, the first signaling indicates the two time duration (i.e., time duration 1 and time duration 2) after a time offset. In this case, the time duration 1 is configured in the time duration configuration 1. In this case, the time duration 2 is configured in the time duration configuration 2. In this case, the first time duration is separated from DCI signaling by the time offset, with the second time duration occurring after some time after the first time duration. Alternatively, the time offset is the interval between the slot of the first signaling reception and the first slot of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates. Alternatively, the time offset is the interval between the last symbol of the first signaling reception and the first symbol of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates.

In some embodiments, the first signaling determines the validity of the time duration later than a time offset. In an embodiment, the time offset comprises an interval between the first signaling and a reference time. In some cases, the reference time is an ending symbols of the first signaling reception plus a pre-defined value. In some cases, the value of the time duration is the pre-defined value. In some cases, the pre-defined value is associated with a preparation time for the wireless device. In some cases, the pre-defined value is 5ms. In some cases, the pre-defined value is K1 symbols. In this case, the first symbol of 1st time duration the first signaling indicates is not earlier than the reference time. In this case, the first slot of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates is not earlier than the reference time. In this case, the first symbol of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates is later than the reference time. In this case, the first slot of the 1st time duration the first signaling indicates is later than the reference time. In this case, the first symbol of 1st time duration the first signaling indicates is equal to the reference time. In this case, the first slot of 1st time duration the first signaling indicates is equal to the reference time.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a reference point that occurs after a time offset (which may be a predefined value) after the first signaling, and the time durations 1 and 2 occur after the reference time, defined according to various embodiments described herein. As depicted in FIG. 10, the first signaling is a DCI signaling. In this case, the DCI signaling indicates 2 time durations (i.e., time duration 1 in time duration configuration 1 and time duration 2 in time duration configuration 2) . In this case, DCI signaling indicates the time durations after the time offset.

In some embodiments, the more than one first signalings determine the validity of one or more time durations later than time offset. In an embodiment, the validity of one or more time durations is determined by the last corresponding first signaling before the time offset.

FIG. 11 shows an example where four transmissions of first signaling are received. As depicted in FIG. 11, the first signaling is a DCI signaling, where each DCI signaling includes bitmap or time window for validity of the time duration 1 and time duration 2, where the time duration 1 is configured in the time duration configuration 1 and time duration 2 is configured in the time duration configuration 2. In this case, the last DCI signaling before the time offset indicates the time duration 1 and time duration 2 are valid or invalid. In FIG. 11, the time duration 1 and time duration 2 are invalid based on the “11” indication within the last DCI signaling before the time offset regardless of those of the first 3 DCI signaling before the time offset (i.e., “00” , “01” , “11” ) .

In an embodiment, the validity of one or more time durations is determined by the 1st corresponding first signaling before the time offset.

FIG. 12A shows an example where four first signalings are received. As depicted in FIG. 12A, the first signaling is a DCI signaling, where each DCI signaling includes bitmap for validity of the time duration 1 and time duration 2, where the time duration 1 is configured in the time duration configuration 1 and time duration 2 is configured in the time duration configuration 2. In this case, the first DCI signaling before the time offset indicates the time duration 1 and time duration 2 are valid or invalid. In FIG. 12A, the time duration 1 and time duration 2 are valid based on the “00” indication within the first DCI signaling before the time offset regardless of those of the last 3 DCI signaling before the time offset (i.e., “01” , “11” , “11” ) . Therefore, in some embodiments, the most recently received DCI signaling prior to the time offset may be used to overwrite any previously received DCI signalings.

In various embodiments, where multiple first signalings are received prior to the time offset, various schemes may be defined regarding how the signaling is performed and how a wireless device should interpret the bitmaps indicated in the first signalings. In some embodiments, these schemes may be defined a priori, while in other schemes, the value of bits in the first received first signaling may be used to interpret subsequently received bits and how they control validity or invalidity of subsequent time durations. Some example schemes include the following.

According to one scheme, the wireless device uses the bitmap from the last first signaling received prior to the time durations (most recent) for determining validity or invalidity of the time durations (see, e.g., example of FIG. 11) .

According to another scheme, the wireless device uses the bitmap from the first received first signaling prior to the time durations for determining validity or invalidity of time durations. (see, e.g., example of FIG. 12A) . In this case, although the following received first signaling prior to the time duration overwrite the validity or invalidity of the time durations, wireless device ignores them.

According to another scheme, if multiple first signalings are used, then the network is required to transmit the exact same bitmap in every first signaling (see, e.g., example of FIG. 12B) .

According to another scheme, values of bits in the bitmap in the first received first signaling may determine validity of the time duration (see FIG. 12A or FIG. 12B) or is overwritten by a second or subsequent received signaling (see FIG. 11) . In an embodiment, values of bits in the bitmap in the first received first signaling determines validity of the time duration. In some cases, the first value is value ‘1’ in the bitmap. In some cases, the first value is value ‘0’ in the bitmap. In some cases, the second value is value ‘1’ in the bitmap. In some cases, the second value is value ‘0’ in the bitmap. In another scheme, when wireless device is indicated ‘0’for time duration in the 1st received first signaling, the wireless device is also indicated ‘0’ for the time duration in the following received first signaling, while when wireless device is indicated ‘1’ for time duration in the 1st first signaling, the wireless device is indicated ‘1’ or ‘0’ for the time duration in the following first signaling. In another scheme, when wireless device is indicated ‘1’ for time duration in the 1st received first signaling, the wireless is also indicated ‘1’ for the time duration in the following received first signaling, while when wireless device is indicated ‘0’ for time duration in the 1st received first signaling, the wireless device is indicated ‘1’ or ‘0’ for the time duration in the following first signaling. In another scheme, when wireless device is indicated ‘1’ for time duration in the 1st received first signaling, the wireless is also indicated ‘1’ for the time duration in the following received first signaling, while when wireless device is indicated ‘0’ for the time duration in the 1st received first signaling, the wireless device is indicated ‘0’ for the time duration in the following first signaling.

FIG. 12B shows an example where four first signaling are received. As depicted in FIG. 12B, the first signaling is a DCI signaling, where each DCI signaling includes bitmap for validity of the time duration 1 and time duration 2, where the time duration 1 is configured in the time duration configuration 1 and time duration 2 is configured in the time duration configuration 2. In this case, the first DCI signaling before the time offset indicates the time duration 1 and time duration are valid or invalid. In FIG. 12B, the time duration 1 and time duration 2 are valid based on the “00” indication within the first DCI signaling before the time offset. In this case, the indication of bitmaps in following DCI signaling (i.e., the 2nd DCI signaling, the 3rd DCI signaling and the 4th signaling) is same as the indication of the first signaling. (i.e., all DCI signalings indicates ‘00’ ) .

7. Implementation Examples

FIG. 13 shows an example of a wireless communication system 1300 where techniques in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied. A wireless communication system 1300 can include network devices such as one or more base stations (BSs) 1305a, 1305b, one or more wireless devices (or UEs) 1310a, 1310b, 1310c, 1310d, and a core network 1325. A base station 1305a, 1305b can provide wireless service to terminal devices 1310a, 1310b, 1310c and 1310d in one or more wireless sectors. In some implementations, a base station 1305a, 1305b includes directional antennas to produce two or more directional beams to provide wireless coverage in different sectors. The core network 1325 can communicate with one or more base stations 1305a, 1305b. The core network 1325 provides connectivity with other wireless communication systems and wired communication systems. The core network may include one or more service subscription databases to store information related to the subscribed terminal devices 1310a, 1310b, 1310c, and 1310d. A first base station 1305a can provide wireless service based on a first radio access technology, whereas a second base station 1305b can provide wireless service based on a second radio access technology. The base stations 1305a and 1305b may be co-located or may be separately installed in the field according to the deployment scenario. The terminal devices 1310a, 1310b, 1310c, and 1310d can support multiple different radio access technologies. The techniques and embodiments described in the present document may be implemented by the base stations of wireless devices described in the present document.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram representation of a portion of a hardware platform in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied. The hardware platform 1405 may be incorporated into a function such as a network device, a base station, or a wireless device (or a terminal device, UE) can include processor electronics 1410 such as one or more microprocessors, processors, system on chip (SOC) or the like that implements one or more of the wireless communication techniques presented in this document. The hardware platform 1405 can include transceiver electronics 1415 to send and/or receive messages and signals over one or more communication interfaces such as antenna 1420. In some embodiments, the communication interface may be a wired interface, in which case the antenna 1420 may not be needed/used. The hardware platform 1405 can include other communication interfaces for transmitting and receiving data. The hardware platform 1405 can include one or more memories (not explicitly shown) configured to store information such as data and/or instructions. In some implementations, the processor electronics 1410 can include at least a portion of the transceiver electronics 1415. In some embodiments, at least some of the disclosed techniques, modules or functions are implemented using the hardware platform 1405. In some embodiments, the hardware platform 1405 may be configured to perform the methods described herein.

It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that relaxation for scheduling restriction in overlapped gap restriction has been disclosed in the present document. A first signaling is used to provide information about usage of overlapping measurement gaps. The first signaling may also be called configuration signaling or validity signaling.

When the first signaling includes a bitmap, various possible embodiments are disclosed to manage use of measurement gaps for measurement or communication.

When the first signaling includes a time window, various possible embodiments are disclosed to manage use of measurement gaps for measurement or communication.

The following solutions may be adopted by some preferred embodiments.

1. A method of wireless communication (e.g., method 1510 depicted in FIG. 15A) , comprising: receiving (1512) , by a wireless device, a network signaling associated with N time durations, where N is a positive integer; receiving (1514) , by the wireless device, a first signaling that determines validity of the N time durations; and for each time duration in the N time durations, performing (1516) a measurement or a communication operation depending on validity for the each time duration according to the first signaling.

2. A method of wireless communications (e.g., method 1520 depicted in FIG. 15B) , comprising: transmitting (1522) , by a network device to a wireless device, a network signaling associated with N time durations, where N is a positive integer; transmitting (1524) , by the network device to the wireless device, a first signaling that determines validity of the N time durations configuring the wireless device to perform, for each time duration in the N time durations, a measurement or a communication operation depending on validity for the each time duration according to the first signaling.

3. The method of any of above solutions, wherein the N time durations include a first time duration and a second time duration that is overlapping with the first time duration, wherein the first time duration belongs to a first time duration configuration, and the second time duration belongs to a second time duration configuration.

4. The method of any of above solutions, wherein the N time durations include a first time duration and a second time duration, and wherein the first time duration is configured as having a high priority, while the second time duration is configured as having a low priority. Various examples pf priorities and how priorities are determined are disclosed throughout the document.

5. The method of any of above solutions, wherein the first signaling comprises a bitmap indicating validity of the N time durations, where a length of the bitmap is associated with N. 6. The method of solution 5, wherein the bitmap comprises one or more bits, and wherein each single bit corresponds to one or more time durations.

7. The method of solution 6, wherein a single bit corresponds to N time durations, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates that the first time duration and the second time duration are valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates that the first time duration and the second time duration are invalid.

8. The method of solution 6, wherein a single bit corresponds to M first time durations, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates that the M first time durations are valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates that the M first time duration are invalid, where M is a positive integer.

9. The method of solution 6, wherein a single bit corresponds to M second time durations, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates that the M second time durations are valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates that the M second time duration are invalid, where M is a positive integer.

10.. The method of solution 6, wherein N bits within bitmap corresponds to N time durations, and a single bit corresponds to one time duration, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates the one time duration is valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates the one time duration is invalid.

11. The method of solution 6, wherein N bits within bitmap corresponds to N time durations and a single bit corresponds to one time duration, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates the one time duration is valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates no meaning.

12. The method of solution 6, wherein M bits within the bitmap correspond to M first time durations and a single bit corresponds to one first time duration, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates the first time duration is valid and a second value of the single bit indicates the first time duration is invalid, where M is a positive integer.

13. The method of solution 6, wherein M bits within the bitmap correspond to M first time durations and a single bit corresponds to one first time duration, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates the first time duration is valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates no meaning, where M is a positive integer.

14. The method of solution 6, wherein M bits within the bitmap correspond to M second time durations and a single bit corresponds to one second time duration, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates the second time duration is valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates the second time duration is invalid., where M is a positive integer.

15. The method of solution 6, wherein an overlapped part between the first time duration and the second time duration is valid when the first time duration is valid and the second time duration is invalid, or when the first time duration is invalid and the second time duration is valid.

16. The method of solution 6, wherein an overlapped part between the first time duration and the second time duration is invalid when the first time duration is valid and the second time duration is invalid, or when the first time duration is invalid and the second time duration is valid..

17. The method of solution 1, wherein the first signaling comprises a single bit for a time window, and wherein the time window includes N time durations.

18. The method of solution 17, wherein the single bit for the time window indicates whether the time window is available.

19. The method of any of solutions 17-18, wherein validity of the N time durations is determined according to a rule that depends on whether or which of the N time durations are within the time window or outside the time window.

20. The method of solution 19, wherein the rule comprises that the N time durations are invalid when they are within the time window.

21. The method of solution 19, wherein the rule comprises that the N1 time durations are invalid and N2 time durations are valid when they are within the time window, and where N1 and N2 are positive integers and they are not larger than N.

22. The method of solution 19, wherein the rule comprises that the validity of the N time duration within the time window is associated with a priority of the time duration and a priority of the communication operation.

23. The method of solution 22, wherein the wireless device perform measurement when the priority of the time duration is higher than the priority of the communication operation, and the wireless device performs the communication operation when the priority of the time duration is lower than the priority of the communication operation.

24. The method of solutions 22-23, wherein a relationship between the priority of the time duration and the priority of the communication operation is determined by a higher layer parameter.

25. The method of solutions 1-24, wherein the valid time duration is a time duration during which the wireless device performs the measurement, while the invalid time duration is a time duration during which the wireless device performs the communication operation.

26. The method of solution 1, wherein the first signaling determines the validity of the N time durations later than a time offset.

27. The method of solution 26, wherein the time offset comprises at least one of:

an interval between a time at which the first signaling is received and a start of a time duration that the first signaling indicates, or an interval between the time at which the first signaling is received and a reference time.

28. The method of solution 27, wherein the reference time comprises a time of an ending symbol of the time at which the first signaling is received plus a pre-defined value, where the pre-defined value is associated with a preparation time for the wireless device.

29. The method of solution 27, wherein the time offset comprises an interval between an ending symbol of the time at which the first signaling is received and a first symbol of the time duration the first signaling indicates.

30. The method of solution 29, wherein the time offset comprises an interval between a slot in which the first signaling is received and a first slot of a time duration the first signaling indicates.

31. The method of solution 26, wherein more than one first signalings determine the validity of one or more time durations later than the time offset.

32. The method of solution 31, the validity of one or more time durations is determined by a last corresponding first signaling before the time offset.

33. The method of solution 31, the validity of one or more time durations is determined by a first corresponding first signaling before the time offset.

34. The wireless of solution 33, wherein the wireless device is indicated the first value of a single bit for time duration (s) in the following first signaling when the first value of the single bit for time duration (s) is indicated in the 1st first signaling, while wireless device is indicated the second value of a single bit for time duration (s) in the following first signaling when the second value of the single bit for time duration (s) is indicated in the 1st first signaling. For example, as disclosed with reference to FIGS. 11, 12A and 12B, in some cases, the network device will adhere to a rule that the same bitmap is signaled in each first signaling in a plurality of first signalings, while in another case, if the network device signals different bitmaps in different ones of the plurality of first signalings, the UE may follow a particular scheme for interpreting the bitmaps. According to one scheme, most recent (last) received bitmap may overwrite other previously received bitmaps. In another scheme, first (most distant) received bitmap may override any subsequently received bitmaps. In another scheme, the actual value of a bit in the bitmap will indicate whether and how any overriding is possible for that bit position, if different first signalings carry different bit values at the position in the bitmap.

35. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising one or more processors configured to cause the apparatus to implement a method recited in any one or more of solutions 1-34.

36. A computer-readable medium having code stored thereon, the code, upon execution by one or more processors of an apparatus, causing the apparatus to implement a method recited in any one or more of solutions 1-34.

The disclosed and other embodiments, modules and the functional operations described in this document can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this document and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. The disclosed and other embodiments can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. The computer readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition of matter effecting a machine-readable propagated signal, or a combination of one or more of them. The term “data processing apparatus” encompasses all apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The apparatus can include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them. A propagated signal is an artificially generated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal, that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document) , in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code) . A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

The processes and logic flows described in this document can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) . Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random-access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

It is noted that operation of the wireless communications as disclosed herein causes a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the overall share of carbon emissions from information and communication technologies (ICT) accounts for approximately 4%of the total amount of CO₂ emitted around world. Further, conventional networks can sometimes exacerbate the causes of climate change. For example, at an average of approximately 485g of CO₂ per KWh of electricity that is produced worldwide, it results in a rough estimate of 145.5 million metric tons of CO₂. The implementations disclosed herein for operating the wireless communications can reduce power consumption by improving efficiency of channel state reporting and reducing signaling overhead and latency.

Moreover, Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) , the organization that represents mobile operators and the telecommunication industry worldwide, has estimated that currently 20–40%of the operating cost of network operators is taken up by electricity, and that 5G can cause a substantial (as much as four to five fold) increase of energy consumption in the RAN, but that the technical means to reduce this consumption can be included in later generation mobile networks, such as 6G networks. Avoiding unnecessary resources for handovers that may not be successful or optimal, by using the pre-verification techniques described herein, may cause less wireless message transmissions. Therefore, the disclosed implementations for operation of the wireless communications mitigates climate change and the effects of climate change.

While this patent document contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this patent document in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings 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. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described in this patent document should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

Only a few implementations and examples are described, and other implementations, enhancements and variations can be made based on what is described and illustrated in this patent document.

Claims

A method of wireless communication, comprising:

receiving, by a wireless device, a network signaling associated with N time durations, where N is a positive integer;

receiving, by the wireless device, a first signaling that determines validity of the N time durations; and

performing, for each time duration in the N time durations, a measurement or a communication operation depending on validity for the each time duration according to the first signaling.
A method of wireless communications, comprising:

transmitting, by a network device to a wireless device, a network signaling associated with N time durations, where N is a positive integer;

transmitting, by the network device to the wireless device, a first signaling that determines validity of the N time durations configuring the wireless device to perform, for each time duration in the N time durations, a measurement or a communication operation depending on validity for the each time duration according to the first signaling.
The method of any of claims 1-2, wherein the N time durations include a first time duration and a second time duration that is overlapping with the first time duration, wherein the first time duration belongs to a first time duration configuration, and the second time duration belongs to a second time duration configuration.
The method of any of claims 1-2, wherein the N time durations include a first time duration and a second time duration, and wherein the first time duration is configured as having a high priority, while the second time duration is configured as having a low priority.
The method of any of claims 3-4, wherein the first signaling comprises a bitmap indicating validity of the N time durations, where a length of the bitmap is associated with N.
The method of claim 5, wherein the bitmap comprises one or more bits, and wherein each single bit corresponds to one or more time durations.
The method of claim 6, wherein a single bit corresponds to N time durations, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates that the first time duration and the second time duration are valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates that the first time duration and the second time duration are invalid.
The method of claim 6, wherein a single bit corresponds to M first time durations, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates that the M first time durations are valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates that the M first time duration are invalid, where M is a positive integer.
The method of claim 6, wherein a single bit corresponds to M second time durations, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates that the M second time durations are valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates that the M second time duration are invalid, where M is a positive integer.
The method of claim 6, wherein N bits within bitmap corresponds to N time durations, and a single bit corresponds to one time duration, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates the one time duration is valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates the one time duration is invalid.
The method of claim 6, wherein N bits within bitmap corresponds to N time durations and a single bit corresponds to one time duration, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates the one time duration is valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates no meaning.
The method of claim 6, wherein M bits within the bitmap correspond to M first time durations and a single bit corresponds to one first time duration, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates the first time duration is valid and a second value of the single bit indicates the first time duration is invalid, where M is a positive integer.
The method of claim 6, wherein M bits within the bitmap correspond to M first time durations and a single bit corresponds to one first time duration, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates the first time duration is valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates no meaning, where M is a positive integer.
The method of claim 6, wherein M bits within the bitmap correspond to M second time durations and a single bit corresponds to one second time duration, and wherein a first value of the single bit indicates the second time duration is valid, and a second value of the single bit indicates the second time duration is invalid., where M is a positive integer.
The method of claim 6, wherein an overlapped part between the first time duration and the second time duration is valid when the first time duration is valid and the second time duration is invalid, or when the first time duration is invalid and the second time duration is valid.
The method of claim 6, wherein an overlapped part between the first time duration and the second time duration is invalid when the first time duration is valid and the second time duration is invalid, or when the first time duration is invalid and the second time duration is valid.
The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first signaling comprises a single bit for a time window, and wherein the time window includes N time durations.
The method of claim 17, wherein the single bit for the time window indicates whether the time window is available.
The method of any of claims 17-18, wherein validity of the N time durations is determined according to a rule that depends on whether or which of the N time durations are within the time window or outside the time window.
The method of claim 19, wherein the rule comprises that the N time durations are invalid when they are within the time window.
The method of claim 19, wherein the rule comprises that N1 time durations are invalid and N2 time durations are valid when they are within the time window, and where N1 and N2 are positive integers not larger than N.
The method of claim 19, wherein the rule comprises that the validity of the N time duration within the time window is associated with a priority of the time duration and a priority of the communication operation.
The method of claim 22, wherein the wireless device perform measurement when the priority of the time duration is higher than the priority of the communication operation, and the wireless device performs the communication operation when the priority of the time duration is lower than the priority of the communication operation.
The method of claims 22-23, wherein a relationship between the priority of the time duration and the priority of the communication operation is determined by a higher layer parameter.
The method of claims 1-24, wherein the valid time duration is a time duration during which the wireless device performs the measurement, while the invalid time duration is a time duration during which the wireless device performs the communication operation.
The method of claim 1, wherein the first signaling determines the validity of the N time durations later than a time offset.
The method of claim 26, wherein the time offset comprises at least one of:

an interval between a time at which the first signaling is received and a start of a time duration that the first signaling indicates, or

an interval between the time at which the first signaling is received and a reference time.
The method of claim 27, wherein the reference time comprises a time of an ending symbol of the time at which the first signaling is received plus a pre-defined value, where the pre-defined value is associated with a preparation time for the wireless device.
The method of claim 27, wherein the time offset comprises an interval between an ending symbol of the time at which the first signaling is received and a first symbol of the time duration the first signaling indicates.
The method of claim 29, wherein the time offset comprises an interval between a slot in which the first signaling is received and a first slot of a time duration the first signaling indicates.
The method of claim 26, wherein more than one first signalings determine the validity of one or more time durations later than the time offset.
The method of claim 31, the validity of one or more time durations is determined by a last corresponding first signaling before the time offset.
The method of claim 31, the validity of one or more time durations is determined by a first corresponding first signaling before the time offset.
The wireless of claim 33, wherein the wireless device is indicated the first value of a single bit for time duration (s) in the following first signaling when the first value of the single bit for time duration (s) is indicated in the 1st first signaling, while wireless device is indicated the second value of a single bit for time duration (s) in the following first signaling when the second value of the single bit for time duration (s) is indicated in the 1st first signaling.
An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising one or more processors configured to cause the apparatus to implement a method recited in any one or more of claims 1-34.
A computer-readable medium having code stored thereon, the code, upon execution by one or more processors of an apparatus, causing the apparatus to implement a method recited in any one or more of claims 1-34.