WO2022029363A1

WO2022029363A1 - Enhanced search space set group switching

Info

Publication number: WO2022029363A1
Application number: PCT/FI2021/050410
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karol Schober; Jorma Kaikkonen; Mads LAURIDSEN
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2020-08-06
Filing date: 2021-06-03
Publication date: 2022-02-10

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for controlling both search space groups and cross-slot scheduling configuration provided.

Description

ENHANCED SEARCH SPACE SET GROUP SWITCHING

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION:

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 63/061859, filed August 6, 2020. The entire content of the above-referenced application is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD:

The teachings in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention relate generally to controlling both search space groups and cross-slot scheduling configuration and, more specifically, relate to efficiently controlling both search space groups and cross-slot scheduling configuration jointly.

BACKGROUND:

This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and/or in the Figures are herewith defined as follows:

COT Channel occupancy time

DCI Downlink Control Information

DRX Discontinuous reception

GC Group common

LBT Listen Before Talk

MAC Medium Access Control

MAC CE MAC Control Element

NR New radio

NR-U New radio - unlicensed PDCCH Physical downlink control channel

SS Search-space (set)

UE User Equipment

WUS Wake-up signal

Wireless communications systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication capabilities for devices including user equipment and other network devices using multiple-access systems of a network to communicate with one another. Examples of such multiple-access systems include 4G systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) type systems, and 5G systems which may be referred to as New Radio (NR) systems. A wireless multiple-access communications system may include a number of base stations or network access nodes to support these communication devices and systems.

It is noted that energy efficiency is one of the key performance indicators in current radio technologies as well as 5G New Radio (NR) networks standards are targeted to support diversified and ever increasing use cases for these technologies. These standards are being developed to address issues and improve operations and related power saving benefits for at least these use cases.

Example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein work to improve operations at least these operations.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a user equipment of a communication network, control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset. The method may further include monitoring, by the user equipment, at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

In accordance with certain embodiments, an apparatus may include means for receiving control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset. The apparatus may further include means for monitoring at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for an user equipment.

In accordance with various embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least monitor at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for an user equipment.

In accordance with certain embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include receiving, by a user equipment of a communication network, control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset. The method may further include monitoring, by the user equipment, at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method may include determining, by a network node of a communication network, control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset. The method may further include communicating towards the user equipment information comprising the control information, wherein the information causes monitoring by a user equipment of at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

In accordance with certain embodiments, an apparatus may include means for determining control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset. The apparatus may further include means for communicating towards an user equipment information comprising the control information, wherein the information causes monitoring by the user equipment of at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

In accordance with various embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least determine control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least communicate towards an user equipment information comprising the control information, wherein the information causes monitoring by the user equipment of at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

In accordance with certain embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include determining, by a network node of a communication network, control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset. The method may further include communicating towards the user equipment information comprising the control information, wherein the information causes monitoring by a user equipment of at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used to designate like or equivalent elements. The drawings are illustrated for facilitating better understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which: FIG. 1 shows an agenda of an upcoming RANI meeting at the time of this application;

FIG. 2 shows a high level block diagram of various devices used in carrying out various aspects of the invention; FIG. 3 shows an implementation in accordance with an example embodiment in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 shows an example flow chart for the usage of SS group switching and cross-slot scheduling in accordance with an example embodiment in accordance with the invention; and FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B each show a method which may be performed by an apparatus in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

In example embodiments of this invention, there is proposed at least a method and apparatus for efficiently controlling both search space groups and cross-slot scheduling configuration jointly.

In wireless communications systems, a slot can contain one or more symbols. Each symbol may vary in duration depending for example on the subcarrier spacing or frequency band of operation. Certain wireless communications systems can implement slots independently or using slot aggregation in which slots are used for communication such as between a user device and a base station.

Example embodiments of the invention can work to improve cross-slot scheduling configuration and controlling search space groups as can be associated with such slot configurations.

Further, example embodiments of this invention relate to an upcoming, at the time of this invention, 3 GPP release 17 WID on user equipment power-saving enhancements for licensed spectrum (RP-193239).

One of the objectives involves PDCCH monitoring reductions in RRC connected mode. Agenda for an upcoming, at the time of this application, RAN 1 meeting is provided in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 shows an upcoming RANI meeting at the time of this application. Certain example embodiments of the invention fall within the underlined agenda items of FIG. 1.

3 GPP R16 status In release 16 multiple new features were introduced, including search space (SS) group switching as part of NR-U (NR unlicensed) and cross-slot scheduling power saving as part of the UE power saving for licensed spectrum NR.

SS group switching

By means of configured search space groups, gNB may adapt UE’s PDCCH monitoring behaviour (i.e. SS set configurations), and such adaptation in between the groups can reduce the UE PDCCH monitoring or increase it (e.g. via different SS periodicities) depending on which of the search search-space set groups is active. This PDCCH monitoring adaption is enabling power saving.

The functionality of R16 SS switching can be summarized with the below bullets:

• NR-U introduced SS-group (search-space-group) switching configuration:

• One or more SS sets form a GROUPO;

• One or more SS sets form a GROUP 1; and

• Some search-space sets may remain ungrouped and are monitored always;

• Switching behavior:

• GC-PDCCH 1 -bit toggles groups, or

• Detection of PDCCH in GROUPO triggers change from GROUPO to GROUP 1;

• COT-end triggers change GROUP 1 -> GROUPO; and

• Cell or cell group specific timer based change GROUP 1 -> GROUP 0

CROSS -slot scheduling

In cross-slot scheduling based power saving, the adaptation of minimum scheduling slot offset restriction (K0/K2) is enabled by indicating (via DCI) to the UE that what minimum scheduling offset UE can assume. If the minimum scheduling slot offset (Ko for PDSCH/K2 for PUSCH) is >0 UE may apply micro-sleep in receiver (stopping the reception after receiving PDCCH symbols in a slot) and process the received PDCCH slower, thereby attaining power saving. The minimum scheduling slot offset restriction is a BWP specific configuration. It is noted that a functionality of R16 cross-slot scheduling can be summarized as below:

• Cross slot scheduling:

• DCI format 1 1/0 1 fields toggle between one or more preconfigured

values; and

• UE does not expect to receive a DCI scheduling PDSCH or PUSCH with slot offset Ko or K2 smaller than the active fi" _s

, respectively.

In NR-U it is challenging to obtain UE power saving through the periodic DRX, because the channel occupancy time (COT) and thus frame structure is floating in time. One obvious option is to prolong the DRX On Duration, i.e. the PDCCH monitoring time, to cope with the uncertainty of COT, i.e. when the gNB may access the channel, but the cost is that the achievable UE power saving is reduced.

Example embodiments of the invention addresses the problem by efficiently controlling both search space groups and cross-slot scheduling configuration jointly.

It is noted that at the time of this application the prior art can include:

• Cross-slot scheduling feature and SS group switching existing in the spec, but operating independently; and

• Configuring a large On Duration period to increase the probability of successful LBT within it. Increases UE power consumption but using MAC CE a “go to sleep” signal can be sent to shorten unnecessary PDCCH monitoring during the onDurationTimer (if LBT is successful). However, the transmission of UE-specific MAC CE to make UEs sleep will increase control signaling overhead; and

• Wake-up signal (WUS) in rel-16 indicates to a UE weather or not to monitor the following On Duration. However, in NR-U the WUS is also subject to LBT and thus will not solve the problem, but simply shift the UE’s monitoring to other slots in time. In accordance with example embodiments of this invention there is proposed an enhancement to SS-group switching feature of R16, where it is proposed to configure a minimum J to

be linked to a configured search-space group, and when certain SS group is active the corresponding minimum

being applicable. Wherein the linking relates to the minimum offset being active/applicable when an associated SS group is being monitored

One Method in accordance with the example embodiments of the invention may be formulated as following:

• Configure/ define

example:

•

are >0 slots;

•

slots;

•

linkage to SS-GROUP #0 may be applicable only during DRX On Duration timer is running and DRX inactivity timer is not running, where Ko could be 0 for an instance where the DRX inactivity timer is running; and

• UE starts DRX with SS GROUP 0

Before describing the example embodiments of the invention in further detail reference is made to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting exemplary system in which the exemplary embodiments may be practiced.

As shown in FIG. 2, a user equipment (UE) 110 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. A UE is a wireless, typically mobile device that can access a wireless network. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx, 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 may include an Search Space module 140 which is configured to perform the example embodiments of the invention as described herein. The Search Space module 140 may be implemented in hardware by itself of as part of the processors and/or the computer program code of the UE 110. The Search Space modulel40 comprising one of or both parts 140-1 and/or 140-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The Search Space modulel40 may be implemented in hardware as Search Space module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 120. The Search Space modulel40-l may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the Search Space module 140 may be implemented as Search Space module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and is executed by the one or more processors 120. Further, it is noted that the Search Space modules 140-1 and/or 140-2 are optional. For instance, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured, with the one or more processors 120, to cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The UE 110 communicates with gNB 170 via a wireless link 111.

The gNB 170 (NR/5G Node B or possibly an evolved NB) is a base station (e.g., for LTE, long term evolution) that provides access by wireless devices such as the UE 110 to the wireless network 100. The gNB 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N/W I/F(s)) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The gNB 170 includes an Search Space module 150 which is configured to perform example embodiments of the invention as described herein. The Search Space module 150 may comprise one of or both parts 150-1 and/or 150-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The Search Space module 150 may be implemented in hardware by itself or as part of the processors and/or the computer program code of the gNB 170. Search Space module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 152. The Search Space module 150-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the Search Space modulel50 may be implemented as Search Space modulel50-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and is executed by the one or more processors 152. Further, it is noted that the Search Space modules 150-1 and/or 150-2 are optional. For instance, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 may be configured to cause, with the one or more processors 152, the gNB 170 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The one or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network such as via the links 176 and 131. Two or more gNB 170 may communicate using, e.g., link 176. The link 176 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an X2 interface.

The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195, with the other elements of the gNB 170 being physically in a different location from the RRH, and the one or more buses 157 could be implemented in part as fiber optic cable to connect the other elements of the gNB 170 to the RRH 195.

It is noted that description herein indicates that “cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that the gNB that forms the cell will perform the functions. The cell makes up part of a gNB. That is, there can be multiple cells per gNB.

The wireless network 100 may include a

NCE/MME/SGW/UDM/PCF/AMM/SMF/LMF/LMC 190, which can comprise a network control element (NCE), and/or serving gateway (SGW) 190, and/or MME (Mobility Management Entity) and/or SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, and/or user data management functionality (UDM), and/or PCF (Policy Control) functionality, and/or Access and Mobility (AMF) functionality, and/or Session Management (SMF) functionality, Location Management Function (LMF), Location Management Component (LMC) and/or Authentication Server (AUSF) functionality and which provides connectivity with a further network, such as a telephone network and/or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet), and which is configured to perform any 5G and/or NR operations in addition to or instead of other standards operations at the time of this application. The NCE/MME/SGW/UDM/PCF/AMM/SMF/LMF/LMC 190 is configurable to perform operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention in any of an LTE, NR, 5G and/or any standards based communication technologies being performed or discussed at the time of this application.

The gNB 170 is coupled via a link 131 to the NCE/MME/SGW/UDM/PCF/AMM/SMF/LMF/LMC 190. The link 131 may be implemented as, e.g., an SI interface or N2 interface. The

NCE/MME/SGW/UDM/PCF/AMM/SMF/LMF/LMC 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N/W I/F(s)) 180, interconnected through one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, with the one or more processors 175, cause the NCE/MME/SGW/UDM/PCF/AMM/SMF/LMF/LMC 190 to perform one or more operations. In addition, the NCE/MME/SGW/UDM/PCF/AMM/SMF/LMF/LMC 190, as are the other devices, is equipped to perform operations of such as by controlling the UE 110 and/or gNB 170 for 5G and/or NR operations in addition to any other standards operations implemented or discussed at the time of this application.

The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be means for performing functions and other functions as described herein to control a network device such as the UE 110, gNB 170, and/or NCE/MME/SGW/UDM/PCF/AMM/SMF/LMF/LMC 190 as in FIG. 2. It is noted that functionality (ies), in accordance with example embodiments of the invention, of any devices as shown in FIG. 2 e.g., the UE 110 and/or gNB 170 can also be implemented by other network nodes, e.g., a wireless or wired relay node (a.k.a., integrated access and/or backhaul (IAB) node). In the IAB case, UE functionalities may be carried out by MT (mobile termination) part of the IAB node, and gNB functionalities by DU (Data Unit) part of the IAB node, respectively. These devices can be linked to the UE 110 as in FIG. 2 at least via the wireless link 111 and/or via the NCE/MME/SGW/UDM/PCF/AMM/SMF/LMF/LMC 190 using link 199 to Other Network(s)/Intemet as in FIG. 2.

In general, the various embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

As similarly stated above, a method in accordance with the example embodiments of the invention can be formulated as:

• Configure/ define

example:

•

are >0 slots;

•

slots;

•

and/or linkage to SS-GROUP #0 may be applicable only during

DRX On Duration timer is running and DRX inactivity timer is not running, where Ko could be 0 for an instance where the DRX inactivity timer is running; and/or

• UE starts DRX with SS GROUP 0. 13 A similar implementation may be seen in FIG.3. FIG.3 shows an example of implementation in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. FIG.3 shows an implementation of an example embodiment in accordance with the invention. 5 As shown in FIG. 3 the UE monitors SS group 0 from the beginning of DRX On duration period (i.e. when DRX On duration timer is running). If the UE detects PDCCH (e.g. GC-PDCCH), in SS group 0, it automatically switches SS group within the corresponding application delay (may depend on the applied minimum scheduling slot offset restriction, 10 , etc). During the time that UE monitors for SS group 0, a UE must be scheduled with . The network will e.g. trigger the SS group switch, when data for the UE is available in its buffer. As a consequence of the above operation, the gNB needs to fill gap for UEs with in 15 COT in DRX On duration period to reserve the unlicensed channel until it may start scheduling the UE . Some options include operations to: • Send reservation signals which is the least preferred option because of low spectrum efficiency; 20 • Schedule other UEs with (UEs that are awake); and/or

• Fill with CSI-RS for a UEs with (UEs that are awake)

25 Some Configuration Details Min-K0/K2 parameter could be part of SS-Cell-group (SS-CG) or serving cell IE-> since SS group are switched synchronously within all cells of SS-Cell-group irrespective of which BWP of a serving cell or a SS-CG (if configured) is active. Alternatively, different30 could be configured within BWP for groups of SS-sets. DRX config is Cell-group (CG), and within CG each SS-CG/cell can have own value of based on the active BWP, but gNB could make the same for each SS-CG of a CG. SS-group switching could be different from used in R16 cross-slot scheduling

and indicated by DCI filed in DCI format 1 1 . Features of cross-slot scheduling of R16 and SS-switching+cross-slot scheduling may be decoupled, and such specification impact may be simplified, signalling overhead may be reduced.

For SS-switching, the group adaptation time is roughly 2 slots. Therefore, it makes the most sense if SS group 0 is configured

slots, such that adaptation times would be aligned. On the other hand, a setting of for a SS group could be a good choice for a

gNB or serving node. Furthermore, a gNB may configure minimum

also for SS group 1 , which would be applicable mainly for licensed spectrum-only, where feature provides power saving benefits on its own.

FIG. 4 shows an example flow chart for the usage of SS group switching and cross-slot scheduling in accordance with an example embodiment in accordance with the invention.

As shown in FIG. 4 there is communication between UE 110 and a gNB 170. In step 410 of FIG. 4 there is communicated between the gNB 170 and UE 110 an indication of an SS-GROUPO and SS-GROUP 1 configuration that includes a Ko parameter, in addition may include K2 as well which is omitted here for simplicity. As shown in step 415 of FIG. 4 following this some time passes. In step 420 of FIG. 4 it is indicated that the UE 110 is in a discontinuous reception (DRX) sleep mode (DRX Inactivity timer is not running). As shown in step 425 of FIG. 4 the UE enters a DRX On Duration (On Duration timer is running), and is monitoring according to SS-GROUPO where Ko>O. In step 430 of FIG. 4 the gNB 170 receives downlink data for the UE 110. As shown in step 435 of FIG. 4 there is communicated from the gNB 170 to the UE 110 a trigger switch to S S -Group 1 and starts the DRX inactivity timer . In step 440 of FIG. 4 the UE 110 begins monitoring according to SSGROUP1 Ko=O. In step 445 of FIG. 4 there is communicated from the gNB 170 towards the UE 110 one or more data transmissions scheduled with . As shown in step 450 of FIG. 4 the UE 110 receives the

data. Then as shown in step 455 of FIG. 4 the UE 110 ends the DRX active time when the DRX inactivity timer expires. FIG. 5A illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device (e.g., the UE 110 as in Fig. 2). As shown in step 510 of FIG. 5A there is receiving, by a user equipment of a communication network, control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset. Then as shown in step 520 of FIG. 5 A there is monitoring, by the user equipment, at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above there is, based on reception of second control information in the at least one search space of a second search space group of the at least one search space group, triggering switching to a second search space group of the at least one search space group, and monitoring by the user equipment, for scheduling a transmission or reception to the user equipment, at least one search space of the second search space group configured for the user equipment.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the second control information causes the user equipment to monitor for scheduling a transmission or reception to the user equipment with a scheduling slot offset not smaller than the first associated minimum scheduling slot offset element from the network node based on the data communication being available for the user equipment from the network node.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the second control information is received as part of an information element from the network node indicating data communication for the user equipment from the network node.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the second search space group is associated with a second associated minimum scheduling slot offset.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the second associated minimum scheduling slot offset is predefined to be zero.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset is linked with the at least one search space group such that the linking causes the associated minimum scheduling slot offset to be active based on the at least one search space of at least one search space group being monitored.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset comprises at least one of a Ko min value or K2 min value linked to the at least one search space group.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the first search space group is group 0 and the second search space group is group 1.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the first associated minimum scheduling slot offset is applied during a time period when for the user equipment an on duration timer is running , an inactivity timer is not running and otherwise a minimum scheduling slot offset is set to zero.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above there is, based on the control information switching by the user equipment to a discontinuous reception time active state for the monitoring.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset is configured with a number of slots aligned with a group adaptation time.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset is configured for a bandwidth part of a linked search space group of the at least one search space group.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the control information is received based on the data communication being available for the user equipment from the network node.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the monitoring is based on the search space group being active for the user equipment. In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the search space group linked with control information is associated with an unlicensed band.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium (Memory(ies) 125 as in FIG. 2) storing program code (Computer Program Code 123 and/or Search Space module 140-2 as in FIG. 2), the program code executed by at least one processor (Processor(s) 120 and/or Search Space Module 140-1 as in FIG. 2) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for receiving (one or more transceivers 130, Memory(ies) 125, Computer Program Code 123 and/or determination module 140-2, and Processor(s) 120 and/or Determination Module 140-1 as in FIG. 2), by a user equipment (UE 110 as in FIG. 2) of a communication network (Network 100 as in FIG. 2), control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset; and means for monitoring (one or more transceivers 130, Memory(ies) 125, Computer Program Code 123 and/or determination module 140-2, and Processor(s) 120 and/or Determination Module 140-1 as in FIG. 2), by the user equipment, at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for receiving and monitoring comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium [Memory(ies) 125 as in FIG. 2] encoded with a computer program [Computer Program Code 123 and/or Search Space module 140-2 as in FIG. 2] executable by at least one processor [Processor(s) 120 and/or Search Space Module 140-1 as in FIG. 2],

FIG. 5B illustrates operations which may be performed by a network device such as, but not limited to, a network node such as the eNB/gNB 170 as in FIG. 2 or a base station. As shown in step 550 of FIG. 5B there is determining, by a network node of a communication network, control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset. Then as shown in step 560 of FIG. 5B there is communicating towards a user equipment information comprising the control information, wherein the information causes monitoring by the user equipment of at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, there is communicating second control information in the at least one search space of a second search space group of the at least one search space group, and monitoring by the user equipment for the scheduling at least one search space of the second search space group configured for the user equipment.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the control information causes the user equipment to monitor for scheduling a transmission or reception to the user equipment with a scheduling slot offset not smaller than the first associated minimum scheduling slot offset.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the second control information causes triggering switching by the user equipment to a second search space group of the at least one search space group.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the second control information is communicated in an information element from the network node based on the data communication being available for scheduling by the network node.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset is configured with a number of slots aligned with a group adaptation time. In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset is configured for a bandwidth part of the search space group.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the control information causes switching by the user equipment to a discontinuous reception time active state for the monitoring.

In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the search space group linked with control information is associated with an unlicensed band.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium (Memory(ies) 155 as in FIG. 2) storing program code (Computer Program Code 153 and/or Search Space module 150-2 as in FIG. 2), the program code executed by at least one processor (Processor(s) 152 and/or Search Space Module 150-1 as in FIG. 2) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for determining (one or more transceivers 160; Memory(ies) 155; Computer Program Code 153 and/or Search Space module 150-2; and Processor(s) 152 and/or Search Space Module 150-1 as in FIG. 2), by a network node (eNB/gNB 170 as in FIG. 2) of a communication network (Network 100 as in FIG. 2), control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset. Then means for communicating (one or more transceivers 160; Memory(ies) 155; Computer Program Code 153 and/or Search Space module 150-2; and Processor(s) 152 and/or Search Space Module 150-1 as in FIG. 2) towards a user equipment (UE 110 as in FIG. 2) information comprising the control information, wherein the information causes monitoring by the user equipment of at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for receiving and monitoring comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium [Memory(ies) 155 as in FIG. 2] encoded with a computer program [Computer Program Code 153 and/or Search Space module 150-2 as in FIG. 2] executable by at least one processor [Processor(s) 152 and/or Search Space Module 150-1 as in FIG. 2],

It is submitted that advantages of the example embodiments of the invention include at least a Power saving gain based on a UE power consumption model and signaling overhead reduction, such as follows:

• PDCCH only with same-slot scheduling, but no PDSCH to be 100 power units (i.e. Ko = 0);

• PDCCH only with cross-slot scheduling to be 70 power units (i.e. Ko>O); and

• Monitoring in SS-GROUP 0 can be reduced to single PDCCH candidate

• For same-slot scheduling reduction from 36 candidates to 1-2 reduces the power consumption to around 71 power units

Therefore, usage of SS group switching and cross-slot scheduling in combination can reduce the UE energy consumption even in the NR-U scenario, where the DRX On Duration may have to be prolonged to handle COT.

Further, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is circuitry for performing operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. This circuitry can include any type of circuitry including content coding circuitry, content decoding circuitry, processing circuitry, image generation circuitry, data analysis circuitry, etc.). Further, this circuitry can include discrete circuitry, application-specific integrated circuitry (ASIC), and/or field-programmable gate array circuitry (FPGA), etc. as well as a processor specifically configured by software to perform the respective function, or dual-core processors with software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc.). Additionally, there are provided necessary inputs to and outputs from the circuitry, the function performed by the circuitry and the interconnection (perhaps via the inputs and outputs) of the circuitry with other components that may include other circuitry in order to perform example embodiments of the invention as described herein.

In accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application this application, the “circuitry” provided can include at least one or more or all of the following:

(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry);

(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

(i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware; and

(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions, such as functions or operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein); and

(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

In accordance with example embodiments of the invention, there is adequate circuitry for performing at least novel operations as disclosed in this application, this 'circuitry' as may be used herein refers to at least the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry); and

(b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); and

(c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

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

In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this Detailed Description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or more wires, cables and/or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

24 CLAIMS

1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a user equipment of a communication network, control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset; and monitoring, by the user equipment, at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising based on reception of second control information in the at least one search space of a second search space group of the at least one search space group, triggering switching to a second search space group of the at least one search space group , and monitoring by the user equipment, for scheduling a transmission or reception to the user equipment, at least one search space of the second search space group configured for the user equipment.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second control information causes the user equipment to monitor for scheduling a transmission or reception to the user equipment with a scheduling slot offset not smaller than the first associated minimum scheduling slot offset

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the second control information is received as part of an information element from the network node indicating data communication for the user equipment from the network node.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the second search space group is associated with a second associated minimum scheduling slot offset.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second associated minimum scheduling slot offset is predefined to be zero.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset is linked with the at least one search space group such that the linking causes the associated minimum scheduling slot offset to be active based on the at least one search space of the at least one search space group being monitored.

8. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset comprises at least one of a Ko min value or K2 min value linked to the at least one search space group.

9. The method of claim 2, wherein the first search space group is group 0 and the second search space group is group 1.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first associated minimum scheduling slot offset is applied during a time period when for the user equipment an on duration timer is running, an inactivity timer is not running and otherwise a minimum scheduling slot offset is set to zero.

11. The method of claim 1 , comprising: based on the control information switching by the user equipment to a discontinuous reception time active state for the monitoring.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset is configured with a number of slots aligned with a group adaptation time.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset is configured for a bandwidth part of a linked search space group of the at least one search space group.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the control information is received based on the data communication being available for the user equipment from the network node.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring is based on the search space group being active for the user equipment.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the search space group linked with control information is associated with an unlicensed band.

17. A method, comprising : determining, by a network node of a communication network, control information of configuration of at least one search space group with an associated minimum scheduling slot offset; and communicating towards an user equipment information comprising the control information, wherein the information causes monitoring by the user equipment of at least one search space of a first search space group of the at least one search space group with a first associated minimum scheduling slot offset based on the control information configured for the user equipment.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising communicating second control information in the at least one search space of a second search space group of the at least one search space group, and causing monitoring by the user equipment, for scheduling a transmission or reception to the user equipment, at least one search space of the second search space group configured for the user equipment.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the control information causes the user equipment to monitor for scheduling a transmission or reception to the user equipment with a scheduling slot offset not smaller than the first associated minimum scheduling slot offset.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the second control information causes triggering switching by the user equipment to a second search space group of the at least one search space group

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the second control information is communicated in an information element from the network node based on the data communication being available for scheduling by the network node.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the second search space group is associated with a second associated minimum scheduling slot offset.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the second associated minimum scheduling slot offset is predefined to be zero. 27

24. The method of claim 17, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset is configured with a number of slots aligned with a group adaptation time.

25. The method of claim 17, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset is configured for a bandwidth part of the search space group.

26. The method of claim 17, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset is linked with the at least one search space group such that the linking causes the associated minimum scheduling slot offset to be active based on the at least one search space of at least one search space group being monitored

27. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the associated minimum scheduling slot offset comprises at least one of a Ko min value or K2 min value linked to the at least one search space group.

28. The method of claim 18, wherein the first search space group is group 0 and the second search space group is group 1.

29. The method of claim 17, wherein the control information causes switching by the user equipment to a discontinuous reception time active state for the monitoring.

30. The method of claim 17, wherein the search space group linked with control information is associated with an unlicensed band.

31. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform a method according to any of claims 1-16, or any of claims 17-30.

32. An apparatus, comprising: means for performing the method according to any of claims 1-16, or any of claims 28

17-30.

33. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the method according to any of claims 1-16, or any of claims 17-30.