Patent Application
20240155601
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to paging. Some relate to paging in a multiple universal subscriber identity module device.
A wireless network comprises a plurality of network nodes including terminal nodes and access nodes. Communication between the terminal nodes and the access nodes is wireless.
In some circumstances, it may be desirable to modify or enhance how paging is configured in the wireless network.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising
In some examples, the configuration information comprises at least one uplink grant and monitoring for a response from the first user equipment comprises monitoring for a response from the first user equipment on the at least one uplink grant.
In some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the part of the scheduling gap comprises at least a portion of the scheduling gap after a part of the scheduling gap corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indication by the second user equipment.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to inform the first user equipment that there is traffic to be scheduled for the first user equipment during the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises a physical downlink control channel with a single uplink grant.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or a service type associated with the traffic.
In some examples, the assistance information comprises paging probability information and the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to configure the first user equipment to resume radio connected operation during the part of the scheduling gap unless the second user equipment receives an early indication of paging.
In some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method comprising:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises at least one uplink grant and monitoring for a response from the first user equipment comprises monitoring for a response from the first user equipment on the at least one uplink grant.
In some examples the method comprising:
In some examples, the part of the scheduling gap comprises at least a portion of the scheduling gap after a part of the scheduling gap corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indication by the second user equipment.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to inform the first user equipment that there is traffic to be scheduled for the first user equipment during the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, the method comprising:
In some examples, the method comprising:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises a physical downlink control channel with a single uplink grant.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or a service type associated with the traffic.
In some examples, the assistance information comprises paging probability information and the method comprising:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to configure the first user equipment to resume radio connected operation during the part of the scheduling gap unless the second user equipment receives an early indication of paging.
In some examples, the method comprising:
In some examples, the method comprising:
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises at least one uplink grant and monitoring for a response from the first user equipment comprises monitoring for a response from the first user equipment on the at least one uplink grant.
In some examples, the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the part of the scheduling gap comprises at least a portion of the scheduling gap after a part of the scheduling gap corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indication by the second user equipment.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to inform the first user equipment that there is traffic to be scheduled for the first user equipment during the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises a physical downlink control channel with a single uplink grant.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or a service type associated with the traffic.
In some examples, the assistance information comprises paging probability information and the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to configure the first user equipment to resume radio connected operation during the part of the scheduling gap unless the second user equipment receives an early indication of paging.
In some examples, the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform:
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising means for:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises at least one uplink grant and monitoring for a response from the first user equipment comprises monitoring for a response from the first user equipment on the at least one uplink grant.
In some examples, the means are configured to:
In some examples, the part of the scheduling gap comprises at least a portion of the scheduling gap after a part of the scheduling gap corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indication by the second user equipment.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to inform the first user equipment that there is traffic to be scheduled for the first user equipment during the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, the means are configured to:
In some examples, the means are configured to:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises a physical downlink control channel with a single uplink grant.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or a service type associated with the traffic.
In some examples, the assistance information comprises paging probability information and wherein the means are configured to:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to configure the first user equipment to resume radio connected operation during the part of the scheduling gap unless the second user equipment receives an early indication of paging.
In some examples, the means are configured to:
In some examples, the means are configured to:
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising
In some examples the configuration information comprises at least one uplink grant;
In some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the part of the scheduling gap comprises at least a portion of the scheduling gap after a part of the scheduling gap corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indication by the second user equipment.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to inform the first user equipment that there is traffic to be scheduled for the first user equipment during the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, transmitting a response comprises transmitting a response indicating that the first user equipment is available for scheduling of traffic in the part of the scheduling gap; and
In some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises a physical downlink control channel with a single uplink grant.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or a service type associated with the traffic.
In some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to configure the first user equipment to resume radio connected operation during the part of the scheduling gap unless the second user equipment receives an early indication of paging.
In some examples, transmitting a response comprises transmitting a response indicating that the first user equipment is not available for scheduling of traffic in the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform:
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method comprising:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises at least one uplink grant;
In some examples, the method comprising:
In some examples, the part of the scheduling gap comprises at least a portion of the scheduling gap after a part of the scheduling gap corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indication by the second user equipment.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to inform the first user equipment that there is traffic to be scheduled for the first user equipment during the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, transmitting a response comprises transmitting a response indicating that the first user equipment is available for scheduling of traffic in the part of the scheduling gap; and
In some examples, the method comprising:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises a physical downlink control channel with a single uplink grant.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or a service type associated with the traffic.
In some examples, the method comprising:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to configure the first user equipment to resume radio connected operation during the part of the scheduling gap unless the second user equipment receives an early indication of paging.
In some examples transmitting a response comprises transmitting a response indicating that the first user equipment is not available for scheduling of traffic in the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, the method comprising:
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises at least one uplink grant;
In some examples, the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the part of the scheduling gap comprises at least a portion of the scheduling gap after a part of the scheduling gap corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indication by the second user equipment.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to inform the first user equipment that there is traffic to be scheduled for the first user equipment during the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, transmitting a response comprises transmitting a response indicating that the first user equipment is available for scheduling of traffic in the part of the scheduling gap; and
In some examples, the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises a physical downlink control channel with a single uplink grant.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or a service type associated with the traffic.
In some examples, the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to configure the first user equipment to resume radio connected operation during the part of the scheduling gap unless the second user equipment receives an early indication of paging.
In some examples, transmitting a response comprises transmitting a response indicating that the first user equipment is not available for scheduling of traffic in the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, the computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform:
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising means for:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises at least one uplink grant;
In some examples, the means are configured to:
In some examples, the part of the scheduling gap comprises at least a portion of the scheduling gap after a part of the scheduling gap corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indication by the second user equipment.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to inform the first user equipment that there is traffic to be scheduled for the first user equipment during the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, transmitting a response comprises transmitting a response indicating that the first user equipment is available for scheduling of traffic in the part of the scheduling gap; and
In some examples, the means are configured to:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises a physical downlink control channel with a single uplink grant.
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or a service type associated with the traffic.
In some examples, the means are configured to:
In some examples, the configuration information comprises information to configure the first user equipment to resume radio connected operation during the part of the scheduling gap unless the second user equipment receives an early indication of paging.
In some examples, transmitting a response comprises transmitting a response indicating that the first user equipment is not available for scheduling of traffic in the part of the scheduling gap.
In some examples, the means are configured to:
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing at least part of one or more methods disclosed herein.
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.
The description of a function and/or action should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function and/or action.
Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
RRC_CONNECTED—A state where UE has dedicated radio connection for active data transmission.
RRC_INACTIVE—A state where UE monitors for paging and needs to establish radio connection with gNodeB (gNB) to start data transmission. In this state the radio-resource related configuration is stored at UE for quick resuming of RRC connection. Likewise, the UE context is not released at the network. This state is maintained between UE and gNB (base station).
RRC_IDLE—A state where UE monitors for paging and needs to establish radio connection to start data transmission. As there is no radio-resource configuration stored the RRC connection setup procedure is used to configure radio resources.
The network 100 is in this example a telecommunications network, in which at least some of the terminal nodes 110 and access nodes 120 communicate with each other using transmission/reception of radio waves/signals.
The one or more core nodes 129 may, in some examples, communicate with each other. The one or more access nodes 120 may, in some examples, communicate with each other.
The one or more terminal nodes 110 may, in some examples, communicate with each other.
The network 100 may be a cellular network comprising a plurality of cells 122 at least one served by an access node 120. In this example, the interface between the terminal nodes 110 and an access node 120 defining a cell 122 is a wireless interface 124.
The access node(s) 120 is a cellular radio transceiver. The terminal nodes 110 are cellular radio transceivers.
In the example illustrated the cellular network 100 is a third generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network in which the terminal nodes 110 are user equipment (UE) and the access nodes 120 are base stations (for example, gNBs).
Functionality of a base station may be distributed between a central unit (CU), for example a gNB-CU, and one or more distributed units (DU), for example gNB-DUs.
In the particular example illustrated the network 100 is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access network (E-UTRAN). The E-UTRAN consists of E-UTRAN NodeBs (eNBs), providing the E-UTRA user plane and control plane (for example, RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE. The eNBs 120 are interconnected with each other by means of an X2 interface 126. The eNBs are also connected by means of the S1 interface 128 to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) 129.
In other example the network 100 is a Next Generation (or New Radio, NR) Radio Access network (NG-RAN). The NG-RAN consists of gNodeBs (gNBs), providing the user plane and control plane (for example, RRC) protocol terminations towards the UE. The gNBs are interconnected with each other by means of an X2/Xn interface 126. The gNBs are also connected by means of the N2 interface 128 to the Access and Mobility management Function (AMF).
In examples, the network 100 can comprise a combination of E-UTRAN and NG-RAN.
In examples, a terminal node 110 can monitor for paging signals. Paging configuration at a terminal node 110 can be configured by the network, for example by an access node 120 or core node 129.
Some examples relate to a 3GPP network.
In examples,
One or more of the features discussed in relation to
In the example of
Accordingly, in examples, the plurality of apparatuses in
In the illustrated example, a terminal node 110 and a network node transmit and/or receive one or more signals and/or one or more messages.
In examples, communications and/or transmissions between elements illustrated in
In examples, method 200 and/or parts of method 200 can be considered a method of controlling scheduling gaps for paging monitoring at a terminal node 110 and/or a method of reducing scheduling gaps for paging monitoring at a terminal node 110 at a terminal node 110.
In some examples, method 200 and/or parts of method 200 can be considered a method of efficiently using scheduling gaps for paging monitoring and/or a method of minimizing scheduling gaps for paging monitoring.
In some examples, the network node is/comprises an access node 120, such as a gNodeB (gNB). In some examples, the network node is/comprises a core node 129.
In some examples, the terminal node 110 is a device with multiple subscriptions comprising at least a first subscription configured to enable a first user equipment (UE1) at the device and a second subscription configured to enable a second user equipment (UE2) at the device. However, in examples, the terminal node 110 can have any suitable number of subscriptions configured to enable any suitable number of UEs at the terminal node 110.
Any suitable subscription can be used. In examples, a subscription can be a 3GPP subscription, a 3GPP2 subscription, an Enhanced Support of Non-Public Networks (eNPN) subscription and so on.
In some examples, the terminal node 110 is a multiple SIM device and/or a multiple USIM (MUSIM) device comprising a plurality of SIMs/USIMs configured to enable a plurality of UEs at the terminal node 110.
Accordingly, in examples, the terminal node 110 is a MUSIM device comprising at least a first USIM configured to enable a first UE (UE1) at the device and a second USIM configured to enable a second UE (UE2) at the device. However, in examples, the terminal node 110 can have any suitable number of USIMs configured to enable any suitable number of UEs at the terminal node 110.
In examples, the terminal node 110 can be considered a device configured for multiple USIM operation.
In examples, a subscription and/or USIM can be considered to enable and/or configure and/or provide a UE at the terminal node 110.
In examples, enabling and/or configuring and/or providing a UE at the terminal node 110 can be considered enabling and/or configuring and/or providing UE functionality at the terminal node 110.
In examples, enabling and/or configuring and/or providing a UE at the terminal node 110 can be considered enabling and/or configuring and/or providing the terminal node 110 to function as a UE.
For example, a terminal node 110 configured with multiple subscriptions and/or multiple USIMs is enabled to receive paging for each of the registered subscriptions and/or USIMs.
Accordingly, in examples, enabling a first UE at the terminal node 110 can be considered enabling the terminal node 110 to function as a first UE.
Accordingly, in examples, enabling a second UE at the terminal node 110 can be considered enabling the terminal node 110 to function as a second UE.
Accordingly, in examples, enabling a first and second UE at the terminal node 110 can be considered enabling the terminal node 110 to function as a first UE and also as a second UE.
In examples, the subscriptions at the terminal node 110 and/or USIMS at the terminal node 110 and/or UEs enabled at the terminal node 110 have at least one associated identifier. For example, a first subscription and/or first USIM and/or first UE (UE1) enabled at the terminal node 110 has an associated identifier, a second subscription and/or USIM and/or UE (UE2) enabled at the terminal node 110 has a different associated identifier and so on.
Any suitable identifier(s) can be used. For example, International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSI) in case of evolved packet system (EPS) or Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) in case of 5G system.
In examples, the subscriptions at the terminal node 110 and/or USIMS at the terminal node 110 and/or UEs enabled at the terminal node 110 can be assigned a temporary identifier such as Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) or a Global Unique Temporary Identifier (GUTI) and so on.
Accordingly, in examples, from the point of view of the network, the terminal node 110 represents a plurality of UEs having different associated identifiers.
In examples, a paging configuration for a UE can be based, at least in part, on one or more identifiers associated with a subscription and/or USIM and/or UE enabled at the terminal node.
In examples, the plurality of subscriptions and/or USIMS and/or UEs enabled at the terminal node 110 are associated with one or more networks.
In some examples, one or more subscriptions and/or USIMS and/or UEs enabled at the terminal node 110 can be associated with one or more different networks.
In examples, a first subscription and/or USIM and/or UE (UE1) enabled at the terminal node 110 is associated with a first network and a second subscription and/or USIM and/or UE (UE2) enabled at the terminal node 110 is associated with a second, different network.
Accordingly, in examples, the terminal node 110 can be considered a MUSIM device comprising at least a first USIM configured to enable a first UE (UE1) associated with a first network and a second USIM configured to enable a second UE (UE2) associated with a second, different network.
In examples, different network nodes can be associated with different networks. See, for example,
In examples, the receiving capability and/or receiving configuration of the terminal node 110 is restricted and/or limited compared to the number of subscriptions and/or USIMs and/or UEs enabled at the terminal node 110.
In some examples, the receiving capability and/or configuration of the terminal node 110 can be considered to be restricted and/or limited compared to the number of different networks associated with the subscriptions and/or USIMs and/or UEs enabled at the terminal node 110.
For example, the terminal node 110 can have enabled UEs associated with a first network and second, different network but be configured to receive from one network at a time.
Similarly, the terminal node 110 can have enabled UEs associated with three different networks but be configured to receive from one or two different networks at a time and so on.
The terminal node 110 having restricted and/or limited receiving capability compared to the number of associated networks can cause problems in relation to paging.
For example, a radio connection at a first UE enabled at the terminal node 110 with a first network can be interrupted by paging for a second UE enabled at the terminal node and in radio inactive mode with a second, different network, if the terminal node cannot receive from both networks simultaneously.
In examples, a scheduling gap 16 is configured for the first UE to allow for paging of the second UE. For example, a scheduling gap 16 can be configured for the first UE corresponding with a paging occasion 20 of the second UE.
In examples, a scheduling gap can be considered a period of time in which there is no uplink or downlink scheduling for a UE.
In examples, a scheduling gap 16 can be considered a scheduling break, a scheduling pause and/or a scheduling hiatus and so on.
By way of example, reference is made to
In the upper portion of
Accordingly, as can be seen from the example of
Referring back to
In examples, the first UE 10 is in radio connected mode and the second UE 12 is not in radio connected mode. For example, the second UE 12 can be in radio idle mode or radio inactive mode.
In examples, the network node in
A radio connected mode, a radio idle mode and/or a radio inactive mode can comprise/be any suitable mode of a UE at the terminal node 110.
For example, a radio connected mode can be a mode where a UE has a dedicated radio connection for active data transmission.
For example, a radio inactive mode can be a mode where a UE monitors for paging and has to establish a radio connection to start data transmission. In a radio inactive mode, a radio-resource related configuration is stored at a UE for resuming of a radio connection, such as an RRC connection.
For example, a radio idle mode can be a mode where a UE monitors for paging and has to establish a radio connection to start data transmission. In this mode, a radio connection procedure, such as an RRC connection procedure, is used to configure radio resources.
A radio connected mode can be an RRC_CONNECTED mode. A radio inactive mode can be an RRC_INACTIVE mode. A radio idle mode can be an RRC_IDLE mode.
In examples, a radio mode can be considered a radio state.
At block 202, method 200 comprises transmitting assistance information 28 comprising information at least indicative of an early paging indication configuration of the second UE 12 at a network.
In the illustrated example, the location of the blocks indicates the entity performing the action(s). For example, in
In the example of
As
For example, from the point of view of the network node, block 202 can be considered to illustrate receiving assistance information 28 comprising information at least indicative of an early paging indication configuration of the second UE 12 at a network.
This is illustrated in the example of
In examples, the assistance information 28 can comprise any suitable information. For example, the assistance information 28 can comprise any suitable information to inform the network node of an early paging indication configuration of the second UE 12 as configured by the second network associated with the second UE 12 (not illustrated in the example of
In examples, an early paging indication configuration can be considered a configuration to receive an early paging indication.
An early paging indication can be and/or comprise any suitable information to inform the second UE 12 if there is paging present during a paging occasion 20 of the second UE 12.
In examples, the early paging indication is and/or comprises a paging early indicator (PEI). In such examples, the early paging indication configuration of the second UE 12 can be considered a PEI configuration of the second UE 12.
In examples, the terminal node 110 can determine the assistance information 28. In some examples, the first UE 10 can be considered to determine the assistance information 28.
Accordingly, in some examples, method 200 can be considered to comprise determining assistance information 28.
As used herein, the term “determining” (and grammatical variants thereof) can include, not least: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (for example, looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving (for example, receiving information), accessing (for example, accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.
In examples, information at least indicative of an early paging indication configuration of the second UE 12 can be received by the first UE 10 from the second UE 12.
Accordingly, in some examples, an early paging indication configuration is received by the second UE 12, from the network associated with the second UE 12, and information at least indicative of the early paging indication configuration internally provided to the first UE 10 in the terminal node 110.
In some examples, the assistance information 28 comprises information for/to be used by the network node in determining if configuration information 22 should be transmitted to the terminal node 110. See, for example, block 208.
In examples, the assistance information 28 comprises paging probability information of the second UE 12.
In examples paging probability information can be considered any suitable information at least indicative of and/or configured to allow and/or enable a determination of paging probability of the second UE 12.
For example, paging probability information can comprise information at least indicative of the probability that the second UE 12 will be paged at a given paging occasion 20 of the second UE 12.
In some examples, paging probability information can comprise information at least indicative of how frequently the second UE 12 has been paged over a number of previous paging occasions 20.
In examples, paging probability information can be determined at and/or by the terminal node 110 in any suitable way using any suitable method.
In some examples, the second UE 12 can monitor the number of times that the second UE 12 is paged across a number of paging occasions 20 and determine the paging probability information based, at least in part, on the monitoring.
In some examples, the second UE 12 can internally provide data from the monitoring to the first UE 10 to allow the first UE 10 to determine the paging probability information.
In some examples, the data from the monitoring can be considered paging probability information and can be transmitted to the network node.
Accordingly, in examples, method 200 comprises determining paging probability information and transmitting the determined paging probability information in and/or with the assistance information 28.
In some examples, method 200 does not comprise block 202. Accordingly, in some examples, block 202 can be omitted.
In the example of
In some examples, a plurality of scheduling gaps 16 are configured for the first UE 10 corresponding to a plurality of paging occasions 20 of the second UE 12. In examples, the plurality of scheduling gaps 16 can be periodic.
At block 204, method 200 comprises transmitting pre-configuration information 32 to the first UE 10, the pre-configuration information 32 comprising information to inform the first UE 10 that early end of the scheduling gap 16 is possible and/or to configure the first UE 10 to monitor for configuration information 22. See, for example, block 208.
In examples, the pre-configuration information 32 can be transmitted with information to configure one or more scheduling gaps 16 for the first UE 10. For example, the pre-configuration information 32 can be transmitted with a radio connection configuration message, for example an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message to the first UE 10.
See, for example,
In examples, the pre-configuration information 32 can comprise any suitable information to inform the first UE 10 that early end of the scheduling gap 16 is possible and/or to configure the first UE 10 to monitor for configuration information 22.
In examples, information to inform the first UE 10 that early end of the scheduling gap 16 is possible can be considered information to inform the first UE 10 that it is possible that scheduling of traffic for the first UE 10 will start prior to the end of the scheduling gap 16.
In some examples, the pre-configuration information 32 comprises information to inform the first UE 10 that it is possible that the scheduling gap 16 will end after a part of the scheduling gap 16 corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indicator by the second UE 12.
In some examples, the pre-configuration information 32 comprises information to configure the first UE 10 to monitor for configuration information 22 after a part of the scheduling gap 16 corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indicator by the second UE.
See, for example,
In examples, the pre-configuration information 32 can be considered configuration information.
In examples, the pre-configuration information 32 is transmitted based, at least in part, on the type of traffic and/or service type at the first UE 10. For example, the pre-configuration information 32 can be transmitted when it is possible, but not certain, that there is traffic to schedule for the first UE 10 during the scheduling gap 16.
Accordingly, in examples, the pre-configuration information 32 can be considered information to prepare and/or configure the first UE 10 for an early end of the scheduling gap 16.
In some examples, there can be ongoing traffic with the first UE 10 and the pre-configuration information 32 is not transmitted. That is, in some examples, block 204 can be omitted.
In some examples, the configuration information 22 can be used to inform the first UE 10 that there is traffic to be scheduled during the scheduling gap 16. Accordingly, in such examples, the pre-configuration information 32 can be transmitted to configure the first UE 10 to monitor for the configuration information 22. See, for example,
However, in examples where there is ongoing traffic with the first UE 10, the network node does not have to inform the first UE 10 that there is traffic to be scheduled during the scheduling gap 16 and therefore, in some examples, the pre-configuration information 32 can be omitted as the first UE 10 is already aware that there is traffic to be scheduled during the scheduling gap and does not have to monitor for an indication that there is traffic to be scheduled in the scheduling gap 16. See, for example,
At block 206, method 200 comprises determining if there is traffic to schedule for the first UE 10, in radio connected mode, during a part 18 of a configured scheduling gap 16 for the first user equipment 10 corresponding to a paging occasion 20 of the second UE 12, the second UE 12 not in radio connected mode.
In examples, determining if there is traffic to schedule for the first UE 10 at block 206 can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method.
In some examples, determining if there is traffic to schedule for the first UE 10 at block 206 comprises determining if there is ongoing traffic with the first UE 10.
In some examples, determining if there is traffic to schedule for the first UE 10 at block 206 comprises determining if there is ongoing traffic with the first UE 10 that is sensitive to interruption.
For example, there can already be ongoing traffic with the first UE 10 when a request for a scheduling gap 16 is received by the network node.
Accordingly, in examples, block 206 can be performed prior to the scheduling gap 16 starting.
In some examples, determining if there is traffic to schedule for the first UE 10 at block 206 comprises determining if data has been received for transmission to the first UE 10 during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
Accordingly, in examples, determining if there is traffic to schedule for the first UE 10 at block 206 can be performed after the scheduling gap 16 has started. For example, block 206 can, in some examples, be performed during and/or after a part of the scheduling gap 16 corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indicator by the second UE 12.
In examples, the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16 can be and/or comprise any suitable part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
In some examples, the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16 comprises at least a portion of the scheduling gap after a part of the scheduling gap 16 corresponding to possible reception of an early paging indication by the second UE 12, for example a PEI.
By way of example, reference is made to
In
Two different examples are shown in the left and right portions of
The shaded rectangle in the upper portion of
In the example of
In the illustrated example, the part of the scheduling gap 16 to the left of the dashed line corresponds to possible reception of an early paging indication by the second UE 12, such as a PEI.
For example, in the left portion of
In examples, the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16 is/comprises the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16 to the right of the dashed line in
Other features of
Referring to
Accordingly, from the point of view of the terminal node 110 and/or the first UE 10, block 208 comprises receiving configuration information 22 to configure the first UE 10, in radio connected mode, to provide a response indicating device availability of the device for a part 18 of a configured scheduling gap 16 for the first UE 10 corresponding to a paging occasion 20 of the second UE 12, the second UE 12 not in radio connected mode.
In examples, providing a response indicating device availability of the device can be considered providing information and/or an indication of device availability.
In some examples, block 208 can be considered to comprise receiving configuration information 22 to configure the first UE 10, in radio connected mode, to provide a response indicating first UE 10 availability for a part 18 of a configured scheduling gap 16 for the first UE 10 corresponding to a paging occasion 20 of the second UE 12, the second UE 12 not in radio connected mode.
In examples, device availability and/or first UE 10 availability for the part 18 of the configured scheduling gap 18 can be considered device availability and/or first UE 10 availability for scheduling of traffic during the part 18 of the configured scheduling gap 16.
In examples, the configuration information 22 can have any suitable form and/or comprise any suitable information.
In examples, the form of the configuration information 22 can depend on the type of traffic and/or service at the first UE 10. For example, the form of the configuration information 22 can be different for ongoing traffic at the first UE 10 compared to no ongoing traffic at the first UE 10.
In examples, the configuration information 22 can be transmitted in any suitable way. In some examples, such as some examples where there is ongoing traffic with the first UE 10, the configuration information 22 can be transmitted with a radio connection reconfiguration message, such as an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message.
In some examples, the configuration information 22 comprises at least one uplink grant. For example, the configuration information 22 can comprise a single uplink grant or a configured grant.
In examples, the configuration information 22 comprises a physical downlink control channel with a single uplink grant.
In some examples, the configuration information 22 comprises information to configure the terminal node 110 and/or first UE 10 to provide an appropriate acknowledgement, such as a control channel acknowledgement.
In some examples, such as some examples where there is no ongoing traffic with the first UE 10, the configuration information 22 comprises information to inform the first UE 10 that there is traffic to be scheduled for the first UE 10 during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16. See, for example,
In examples, such as some examples where there is no ongoing traffic with the first UE 10, the configuration information 22 can be considered to be and/or comprise an indication of traffic for scheduling.
In some examples, such as some examples where there is no ongoing traffic with the first UE 10, the configuration information 22 can be considered a scheduling early indication (SEI) and/or an activation signal.
By way of example, reference is again made to
In the examples illustrated in
In the example of
Accordingly, in the examples shown in
In the illustrated example, the first UE 12 is configured by the pre-configuration information 32 to monitor for the configuration information 22.
In the example to the left of
However, in the example to the right of
In the illustrated example, as an SEI has been received, the first UE 10 can respond to inform the network node that the first UE 10 is available for scheduling during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
Referring to
For example, the response indicating device availability of the device can comprise an acknowledgement, such as a control channel acknowledgement, and/or a response on at least one uplink grant configured by the configuration information 22.
In examples, the response indicating device availability of the device can be positive or negative in nature. For example, the response indicating device availability of the device can indicate that that the first UE 10 is or is not available for scheduling of traffic during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
In examples, such as some examples where there is no ongoing traffic with the first UE 10, the configuration information 22 comprises information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or service type associated with the traffic.
Accordingly, in examples, the configuration information 22, which can be in the form of an SEI, comprises information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or service type associated with the traffic to be scheduled for the first UE 10 during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
In examples, the information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or service type associated with the traffic can be used by the terminal node 110 and/or first UE 10 in determining if the first UE 10 should be made available for scheduling of traffic during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
For example, for a given traffic and/or service type, the first UE 10 is made available for scheduling during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 18 but for a different traffic and/or service type priority is given to the second UE 12 during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16 and the first UE 10 is not made available for scheduling during the part of the scheduling gap 22.
In some examples where the assistance information 28 comprises paging probability information method 200 comprises determining whether to transmit the configuration information 22 based, at least in part, on the paging probability information or determining whether to schedule traffic for the first user equipment during the part of the scheduling gap based, at least in part on the paging probability information.
In examples, determining whether to transmit the configuration information 22 based, at least in part, on the paging probability information or determining whether to schedule traffic for the first user equipment during the part of the scheduling gap based, at least in part on the paging probability information can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method.
For example, the network node can start a persistence test and/or probability test prior to sending the configuration information 22, which can be in the form of an SEI/activation signal.
In examples, such as some examples where there is ongoing traffic at the first UE 10, the configuration information 22 comprises information to configure the first UE 10 to resume radio connected operation during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16 unless the second UE 12 receives an early indication of paging. See, for example,
For example, the configuration information 22 can be transmitted as part of an RRCConnectionReConfiguration message to configure the first UE 10 to resume radio connected operation during the part of the scheduling gap 16 unless the second UE 12 receives an early indication of paging, such as a PEI.
At block 210, method 200 comprises monitoring for a response 26 from the first user equipment 10.
Consequently,
In examples, monitoring for a response 26 from the first UE 10 can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method.
In examples, monitoring for a response 26 comprises monitoring for a response 26 configured by the configuration information 22.
In examples, the response 26 can have any suitable form. For example, the response 26 can have any suitable form to provide information of the device/first UE 10 availability for the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
In examples, the response 26 can be and/or comprise an acknowledgement configured by the configuration information 22, such as a control channel acknowledgement.
In some examples, the response 26 can be a response 26 transmitted on at least one uplink grant configured by the configuration information 22.
Accordingly, in examples the configuration information 22 comprises at least one uplink grant and monitoring for a response 26 from the first UE 10 comprises monitoring for a response 26 from the first UE 10 on the at least one uplink grant and/or at least one of the at least one uplink grant.
At block 212, method 200 comprises determining whether to transmit a response 26 indicating device availability of the device for the part 18 of the configured scheduling gap 16.
In examples, at block 212, method 200 can be considered to comprise determining whether to transmit a response 26 indicating first UE 10 availability for the part 18 of the configured scheduling gap 16.
In examples, block 212 can be performed by the terminal node 110 and/or the first UE 10.
In examples, determining whether to transmit a response 26 can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method and based on any suitable information.
In examples, determining whether to transmit a response 26 comprises determining if the first UE 10 is available for scheduling of traffic during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
In examples, determining whether to transmit a response 26 comprises determining if an early indication of paging, such as a PEI, has been received by the second UE 10.
For example, the second UE 12 can provide information to the first UE 10 to inform the first UE 10 if an early indication of paging, such as a PEI, has and/or has not been received and, in examples, determining whether to transmit a response 26 can be performed based, at least in part, on the information.
In examples, a response 26 can have any suitable form as described in relation to block 210.
In examples, a response 26 can comprise an indication of device and/or first UE 10 availability as described in relation to block 208. For example, a response 26 can be positive in nature, indicating availability, or negative in nature, indicating no availability.
In some examples, determining whether to transmit a response can comprise consideration of other information, such as traffic and/or service type of traffic to be scheduled for the first UE 10 during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
For example, in some examples where the configuration information 22 comprises information at least indicative of a traffic type and/or service type, determining whether to transmit a response can be based, at least in part, on the information.
For example, in some examples where no early paging indication is received by the second UE 12, the terminal node 110 and/or first UE 10 can determine that priority should be given to the second UE 12 for the full duration of the scheduling gap 16 based, at least in part, on the traffic type and/or service type of traffic to be scheduled for the first UE 10 during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
In examples, such as some examples where there is no ongoing traffic with the first UE 10, if no configuration information 22 is transmitted/received because there is no traffic to schedule for the first UE 10 during the scheduling gap 16, blocks 212 and 214 are not performed as early return of the first UE to scheduling is not needed and therefore the second UE 12 can make use of the full scheduling gap 16. See, for example,
At block 214, method 200 comprises if it is determined that a response 26 is to be sent, transmitting a response 26.
Consequently,
In examples, at block 214, method 200 can be considered to comprise if it is determined that a response 26 is to be sent, transmitting a response 26 indicating device and/or first UE 10 availability for the part 18 of the configured scheduling gap 16.
In examples, at block 214, method 200 can be considered to comprise if it is determined that a response 26 is to be sent, transmitting a response 26 comprising information 24 of the device and/or first UE 10 availability for the part 18 of the configured scheduling gap 16.
In examples, any suitable response comprising any suitable information can be transmitted in any suitable way.
For example, the response 26 can have any suitable form as described in relation to block 210.
For example, the response 26 can comprise any suitable indication of device and/or first UE 10 availability as described in relation to block 208.
In examples, the configuration information 22 comprises at least one uplink grant. In some such examples, determining whether to transmit a response 26 comprises determining whether to transmit a response 26 comprises determining whether to transmit a response 26 on the at least one uplink grant and transmitting a response 26 comprises transmitting a response 26 on at least one of the at least one uplink grant.
In some examples, transmitting a response 26 comprises transmitting an acknowledgement, such as a control channel acknowledgement, to appropriately indicate device and/or first UE 10 availability during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
In examples, the response 26 can indicate that the device and/or first UE 10 is available or is not available for scheduling of traffic during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
Accordingly, in examples, from the point of view of the network node, method 200 comprises receiving a response 26 indicating that the device and/or the first UE 10 is or is not available for scheduling of traffic during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
For example, in some examples where there is no ongoing traffic with the first UE 10, the response can indicate that the device and/or first UE 10 is available for scheduling of traffic during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
Accordingly, in some examples, method 200 comprises receiving a response 26 from the first UE 10, the response 26 indicating that the first UE 10 is available for scheduling of traffic in the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16 and in response to receiving the response 26 from the first UE 10, scheduling traffic for the first UE 10 during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
For example, in some examples where there is ongoing traffic with the first UE 10, the response 26 can indicate that the device and/or first UE 10 is not available for scheduling of traffic during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
Accordingly, in some examples, method 200 comprises receiving a response 26 from the first UE 10, the response 10 indicating that the first UE 10 is not available for scheduling of traffic in the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16 and in response to receiving the response 26 from the first UE 10, preventing scheduling of traffic for the first UE 10 during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
In examples, the terminal node 110 is configured to switch between the first and second UEs 10, 12 appropriately to transmit the response 26 to the network node. For example, the terminal node 110 can be configured to switch to the first network between the early paging indication, such as PEI, and subsequent receipt of paging information, such as PDCCH occasions, for the second UE 12.
In some examples, such as some examples where there is ongoing traffic with the first UE 10, method 200 comprises detecting no response 26 from the first UE 10 and in response to not detecting a response 26 from the first UE 10, scheduling traffic for the first UE 10 during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
Accordingly, in some examples where there is ongoing traffic with the first UE 10, the configuration information 22 configures the first UE 10 to resume radio connected operation during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16 if possible and when no response 16 indicating that the first UE 10 is unavailable is detected, scheduling of traffic for the first UE 10 in the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16 can proceed.
In some examples, from the point of view of the terminal node 110 and/or first UE 10, method 200 comprises determining that the first UE 10 is available for scheduling of traffic during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16 and in response to determining that the first UE 10 is available for scheduling of traffic during the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16, resuming radio connected operation during the part 18 of the gap 16 without transmitting a response 26 on at least one of the at least one uplink grant.
Examples of the disclosure provide technical benefits. For example, examples of the disclosure provide means to prepare efficient and/or proper use of a configured scheduling gap by a network associated with a UE, of a multi-subscription device, in radio connected mode.
Examples provide for a network associated with a UE, of a multi-subscription device, in radio connected mode to prepare for the early return of the UE to scheduling of traffic, prior to the end of a configured scheduling gap.
In examples, the method 400 can be performed by any suitable apparatus comprising any suitable means for performing the method 400.
In examples, the method 400 can be performed by a network node such as an access node 120 or a core node 129.
Method 400 comprises enabling scheduling gap usage in relation to a device with multiple subscriptions comprising at least a first subscription configured to enable a first user equipment 10 at the device and a second user equipment 12 at the device by performing, at least, the blocks illustrated in the example of
At block 402, method 400 comprises determining if there is traffic to schedule for the first user equipment 10, in radio connected mode, during a part 18 of a configured scheduling gap 16 for the first user equipment 10 corresponding to a paging occasion 20 of the second user equipment 12, the second user equipment 12 not in radio connected mode.
At block 404, method 400 comprises if it is determined that there is traffic to schedule for the first user equipment 10 during a part 18 of the scheduling gap 16, transmitting configuration information 22 to the first user equipment 10 to configure the first user equipment 10 to provide a response indicating device availability of the device for the part 18 of the scheduling gap 16.
At block 406, method 400 comprises monitoring for a response 26 from the first user equipment 10.
Consequently,
In examples, the method 500 can be performed by any suitable apparatus comprising any suitable means for performing the method 500.
In examples, the method 400 can be performed by a terminal node 110, such as a MUSIM device.
Method 500 comprises supporting scheduling gap usage in relation to a device with multiple subscriptions comprising at least a first subscription configured to enable a first user equipment 10 at the device and a second subscription configured to enable a second user equipment 12 at the device by performing, at least, the blocks illustrated in the example of
At block 502, method 500 comprises receiving configuration information 22 to configure the first user equipment 10, in radio connected mode, to provide a response indicating device availability of the device for a part 18 of a configured scheduling gap 16 for the first user equipment 10 corresponding to a paging occasion 20 of the second user equipment 12, the second user equipment 12 not in radio connected mode.
At block 504, method 500 comprises determining whether to transmit a response 26 indicating device availability of the device for the part 18 of the configured scheduling gap 16.
At block 506, method 500 comprises if it is determined that a response 26 is to be sent, transmitting a response 26.
Consequently,
In the example of
In the illustrated example, separate lines are presented to indicate actions at UE-1 and UE-2, although the UEs are enabled at one device.
Also represented in the example of
At block 602, UE1 is in RRC_CONNECTED with NW1 corresponding to its first USIM (NW-1, USIM-1).
At block 604, UE2 is in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE with NW2 corresponding to its other USIM (NW-2, USIM2).
In the example of
At block 606 the device internally provides this information to the protocol stack instance corresponding to its connected USIM (USIM-1) which passes the information to its NW (NW-1).
This information can be provided to NW-1 at block 608 using UE assistance information signaling or as an information element in the UE's request for periodic gap at block 610.
At block 612, NW-1 provides configuration for the periodic gap with the possibility for early return. In examples, this can be considered pre-configuration information 32.
At block 614, this information is internally in the device forwarded to the protocol stack instance corresponding to its idle/inactive USIM (USIM-2).
If, as indicated at block 616, the NW1 receives data for the UE1 which needs scheduling during the gap, it will transmit a scheduling early indication (SEI) as indicated at block 618.
The SEI can be PDCCH with a configured grant (CG) for UE1 to transmit its response if it can return. The SEI can be considered configuration information 22.
The SEI can optionally include the service/traffic type for UE1 to decide if it wants to return even if the device does not find PEI or use the rest of the gap for other RX operations at UE2.
Case 1: if device does not detect any PEI, it will monitor for SEI at block 620 and can use the CG to inform the NW1 about its return or ignore if it decides to continue using the remaining part of the gap, e.g. for measurement.
At block 622 UE2 informs UE1 that early return is possible (no PEI) at block 624 UE1 informs NW-1 that it can return early.
When the NW received UE's early return at CG (block 624), it can end the gap and proceed with the scheduling of the arrived traffic at block 626.
Case 2: If the device does detect PEI at block 628, it will complete its paging task (block 630) and return when finished at planned gap end.
In the example of
In the illustrated example, separate lines are presented to indicate actions at UE-1 and UE-2, although the UEs are enabled at one device.
Also represented in the example of
In case there is no traffic for the UE1 during the gap, the NW1 will not transmit SEI.
In this case if the device does not find PEI nor SEI, it can use the remaining gap time to perform other idle/inactive mode operations like RRM measurements. See blocks 718 to 726.
In the example of
In the illustrated example, separate lines are presented to indicate actions at UE-1 and UE-2, although the UEs are enabled at one device.
Also represented in the example of
The example of
However, in the example of
NW1 will consider the main gap for the device to receive the PEI while expecting a tentative longer gap in case the UE2 has identified paging addressed to it by receiving the PEI signal.
Accordingly, at block 814, NW1 transmits a RRCConnectionReConfiguration message including a CG for PEI indication. This can be considered configuration information 22. As there is ongoing traffic in the example of
If no paging indication is received the gap can be ended and RRC connected operation resumed as indicated at blocks 818 and 820.
If UE2 receives the PEI and thereby determines there is a paging addressed to it (block 822), it will inform UE1 (block 824) and UE1 will apply the configured uplink to indicate PEI reception to NW1 to inform UE2 is going to use the full gap as indicated at blocks 826 to 830.
Examples of the disclosure provide technical benefits. For example, examples of the disclosure provide for efficient use of a scheduling gap at a multi-subscription device.
Implementation of a controller 1130 may be as controller circuitry. The controller 1130 may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).
As illustrated in
The processor 1132 is configured to read from and write to the memory 1134. The processor 1132 may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processor 1132 and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processor 1132.
The memory 1134 stores a computer program 1136 comprising computer program instructions (computer program code) that controls the operation of the apparatus when loaded into the processor 1132. The computer program instructions, of the computer program 1136, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus to perform the methods illustrated in
The processor 1132 by reading the memory 1134 is able to load and execute the computer program 1136.
The apparatus therefore comprises:
The apparatus therefore comprises:
As illustrated in
Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following:
Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following:
The computer program instructions may be comprised in a computer program, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine-readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the computer program instructions may be distributed over more than one computer program.
Although the memory 1134 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent/dynamic/cached storage.
In examples the memory 1134 comprises a random-access memory 1158 and a read only memory 1160. In examples the computer program 1136 can be stored in the read only memory 1158. See, for example,
Although the processor 1132 is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable. The processor 1132 may be a single core or multi-core processor.
References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’, ‘computer program product’, ‘tangibly embodied computer program’ etc. or a ‘controller’, ‘computer’, ‘processor’ etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single/multi-processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann)/parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.
As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ may refer to one or more or all of the following:
This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.
The blocks illustrated in the
The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.
Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.
Thus, the apparatus can, in examples, comprise means for:
Thus, the apparatus can, in examples, comprise means for:
In examples, an apparatus can comprise means for performing one or more methods, and/or at least part of one or more methods, as disclosed herein.
In examples, an apparatus can be configured to perform one or more methods, and/or at least part of one or more methods, as disclosed herein.
The above described examples find application as enabling components of:
The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one.” or by using “consisting”.
In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.
Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.
Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.
Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.
Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.
The term ‘a’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.
The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.
In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.
Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202141020935 | May 2021 | IN | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/061805 | 5/3/2022 | WO |
