Apparatus and method for positioning

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a method and a device for uplink transmission power control. The first device obtains a measurement report for channel information of at least one predetermined signal transmitted from the second device to the third device on at least two sub-bands. The first device also obtains array feature information and beam configuration of at least one of the second device or the third device. Based on a measurement report, a first device determines angle information, the measurement report comprising: channel information of at least two sub-bands, array feature information, and beam configuration. The first device then determines positioning information of at least one of the third device or the second device based on the angle information. Thus, positioning may be performed with power measurements of the signal, thereby enabling precise positioning and improving communication efficiency and communication performance.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Finnish National Application No. 20226190, filed on December 30, 2022. The entire contents of the above-referenced application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of communications, and in particular, to an apparatus, method, device, and computer-readable storage medium for positioning. Background Art

[0004] With the development of communication technologies, many services, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (uRLLC), have high requirements for high bandwidth, low latency, and ultra-reliability. Supporting new use cases, especially for various mission-critical applications, has increased the requirements for positioning performance compared to previous generations. For example, in addition to positioning accuracy, the latency and continuity of positioning solutions are considered key performance indicators. In addition to positioning, efficient and practical estimation of the direction of user equipment (UE) using fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) signals is one of the remaining challenges.

[0005] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has initiated work on Release 18 (R18) to extend and improve NR-based positioning. Several new approaches have been proposed and discussed, such as carrier phase-based positioning, Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) / Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) bandwidth aggregation, positioning of UEs with reduced capabilities, low-power high-precision positioning and sidelink positioning, as well as related integrity aspects for mission-critical use cases. In order to meet the given requirements, new and effective methods for positioning and corresponding positioning-related measurements are needed. For example, positioning solutions suitable for indoor environments have been developed specifically for use in Bluetooth and WiFi systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus, a method, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program for positioning.

[0007] In a first aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to at least: obtain a measurement report, the measurement report including channel information for at least one predetermined signal, the at least one predetermined signal being transmitted from a second apparatus to a third apparatus on at least two subbands; obtain array characteristic information and a beam configuration of at least one of the second apparatus or the third apparatus; determine angle information based on the measurement report, the measurement report including channel information, array characteristic information, and beam configuration for at least two subbands; and determine positioning information of at least one of the third apparatus or the second apparatus based on the angle information.

[0008] In a second aspect, a second device is provided. The second device may include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: initiate a positioning session for at least one of the second device or the third device with a third device; transmit at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session to the third device on at least two subbands; and transmit array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the second device to the first device based on a determination that the array of the second device is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0009] In a third aspect, a third apparatus is provided. The third apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third apparatus to at least: initiate a positioning session with a second apparatus for at least one of the second apparatus or the third apparatus; receive at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session from the second apparatus on at least two subbands; and, based on determining that the array of the third apparatus is configured with at least two antenna elements, transmit array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the third apparatus to the first apparatus.

[0010] In a fourth aspect, a method implemented at a first device is provided. The method may include: obtaining a measurement report, the measurement report including channel information for at least one predetermined signal, the at least one predetermined signal being transmitted from a second device to a third device on at least two subbands; obtaining array characteristic information and a beam configuration for at least one of the second device or the third device; determining angle information based on the measurement report, the measurement report including the channel information, array characteristic information, and beam configuration for at least two subbands; and determining positioning information for at least one of the third device or the second device based on the angle information.

[0011] In a fifth aspect, a method implemented at a second device is provided. The method may include: initiating a positioning session for at least one of the second device or the third device with a third device; transmitting at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session to the third device on at least two subbands; and transmitting array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the second device to the first device based on determining that the array of the second device is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0012] In a sixth aspect, a method implemented at a third device is provided. The method may include: initiating a positioning session for at least one of the second device or the third device with a second device; receiving at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session from the second device on at least two subbands; and transmitting array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the third device to the first device based on determining that the array of the third device is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0013] In a seventh aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus may include: means for obtaining a measurement report, the measurement report including channel information for at least one predetermined signal, the at least predetermined signal being transmitted from a second apparatus to a third apparatus on at least two subbands; means for obtaining array characteristic information and a beam configuration of at least one of the second apparatus or the third apparatus; means for determining angle information based on the measurement report, the measurement report including channel information, array characteristic information, and beam configuration for at least two subbands; and means for determining positioning information of at least one of the third apparatus or the second apparatus based on the angle information.

[0014] In an eighth aspect, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus may include: means for initiating a positioning session for at least one of the second apparatus or the third apparatus with a third apparatus; means for transmitting at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session to the third apparatus on at least two subbands; and means for transmitting array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the second apparatus to the first apparatus based on a determination that an array of the second apparatus is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0015] In a ninth aspect, a third apparatus is provided. The third apparatus may include: means for initiating a positioning session for at least one of the second apparatus or the third apparatus with a second apparatus; means for receiving at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session from the second apparatus on at least two subbands; and means for transmitting array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the third apparatus to the first apparatus based on a determination that an array of the third apparatus is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0016] In a tenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the method according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects.

[0017] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions, which, when executed by a device, causes the device to at least: obtain a measurement report, the measurement report comprising channel information for at least one predetermined signal, the at least one predetermined signal being sent from a second device to a third device on at least two subbands; obtain array characteristic information and beam configuration of at least one of the second device or the third device; determine angle information based on the measurement report, the measurement report comprising: channel information, array characteristic information, and beam configuration of at least two subbands; and determine positioning information of at least one of the third device or the second device based on the angle information.

[0018] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: initiate a positioning session for the second apparatus or at least one of the third apparatuses with a third apparatus; send at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session to the third apparatus on at least two subbands; and send array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the second apparatus to the first apparatus based on determining that the array of the second apparatus is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0019] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed by an apparatus, causes the apparatus to at least: initiate a positioning session for at least one of the second apparatus or the third apparatus with the second apparatus; receive at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session from the second apparatus on at least two subbands; and based on determining that the array of the third apparatus is configured with at least two antenna elements, send array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the third apparatus to the first apparatus.

[0020] In a fourteenth aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: an acquisition circuit system configured to acquire a measurement report including channel information for at least one predetermined signal transmitted from a second apparatus to a third apparatus on at least two subbands; an acquisition circuit system configured to acquire array characteristic information and a beam configuration of at least one of the second apparatus or the third apparatus; a determination circuit system configured to determine angle information based on the measurement report including channel information, array characteristic information, and beam configuration for at least two subbands; and a determination circuit system configured to determine positioning information of at least one of the third apparatus or the second apparatus based on the angle information.

[0021] In a fifteenth aspect, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes: initiating circuitry configured to initiate a positioning session for at least one of the second apparatus or the third apparatus with a third apparatus; transmitting circuitry configured to transmit at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session to the third apparatus over at least two subbands; and transmitting circuitry configured to transmit array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the second apparatus to the first apparatus based on a determination that the array of the second apparatus is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0022] In a sixteenth aspect, a third apparatus is provided. The third apparatus includes: initiating circuitry configured to initiate a positioning session for at least one of the second apparatus or the third apparatus with a second apparatus; receiving circuitry configured to receive at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session from the second apparatus on at least two subbands; and transmitting circuitry configured to transmit array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the third apparatus to the first apparatus based on a determination that the array of the third apparatus is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0023] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates an example network environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a signaling diagram illustrating an example process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates examples of beam power responses for different beamforming angles according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates an example angle estimation process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates an example positioning process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 illustrates another example positioning process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7illustrates an exemplary iterative Gauss-Newton process for joint AOA and path loss estimation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 illustrates example iterative Gauss-Newton processes for AOA and path loss estimation, respectively, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 9 illustrates an example receive (RX) power spectrum with 3 independent carriers according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 10 Illustrated are example functions of beamforming angle in a single path scenario according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 11 The likelihood of unknown parameters in a single-path scenario according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0036] Figure 12 Illustrated is an example multipath scenario simulated in an urban ray tracing environment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 13 Illustrated are example functions of beamforming angles in a multipath scenario according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 14 Illustrated is the likelihood of unknown parameters in a multipath scenario according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 15 An example flow chart of a method implemented at a first device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0040] Figure 16 An example flow chart of a method implemented at a second device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0041] Figure 17 An example flow chart of a method implemented at a third device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0042] Figure 18 illustrates an example simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 19 An example block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0044] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure without implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure described in this article can be implemented in various ways except for the manner described below.

[0046] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0047] In this disclosure, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, those skilled in the art recognize that it is within their knowledge to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0048] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the example embodiments, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element. As used in this article, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0049] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises," "comprising," "having," "containing," and / or "comprising" are used herein, the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, is not precluded.

[0050] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0051] (a) a pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry), and

[0052] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (as applicable):

[0053] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0054] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)) with software, software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions),

[0055] as well as

[0056] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portions of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware)

[0057] The software can be operated but not exist when the operation is not needed.

[0058] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or its) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuitry" also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or networking device.

[0059] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that follows any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Bluetooth, WI-FI, etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal equipment and the network equipment in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable intergenerational communication protocol, including but not limited to the third generation communication protocol (3G), the fourth generation communication protocol (4G), 4.5G, the future fifth generation communication protocol (5G), and / or higher generation communication protocols. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Due to the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be future types of communication technologies and systems that can be used to implement the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be considered to be limited to the above-mentioned systems.

[0060] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from the network. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low-power node (such as a femto, pico, etc.), depending on the terminology and technology of the application.

[0061] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS) or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablet computers, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), game terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer terminal equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (such as remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (such as robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated process chain environments), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms “terminal device,” “communication device,” “terminal,” “user equipment,” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0062] The terms "transmitter," "receiver," and "operator" refer to any device capable of wireless communication, and are configured to communicate via a wireless data communication link and in conjunction with an appropriately configured RF antenna arrangement capable of supporting a specific wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some embodiments, the transmitter and receiver are configured to support industry standards, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards. In the present disclosure, "operator" also refers to any device capable of performing position estimation. The transmitter, receiver, and operator may be contained separately in a terminal or base station, or may be co-located in a terminal or base station. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the application of specific standards and related protocols. Instead, the transmitter, receiver, and operator may be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

[0063] The term "AOA" refers to the angle of arrival. AoA technology can be used for indoor positioning. In addition, it can be used in, for example, 5G networks, such as network nodes. AoA technology is based on a receiver and a transmitter. For example, assuming that radio waves behave as a plane wave surface rather than a sphere, a device with a linear array of multiple antennas acts as a receiver, while another device with a single antenna acts as a transmitter. If the transmitter that sends a sine wave through the air is located on a normal perpendicular to the array line, each antenna in the array will receive the input signal with the same phase. If the transmitter is not on the normal, the receiving antenna will measure the phase difference between the channels and use the phase difference information to estimate the angle of arrival.

[0064] The term "AOD" stands for Angle of Departure. AoD technology uses the same basic principle of measuring phase difference, but the devices work in reverse. In AoD, the receiver can use a single antenna, while the transmitter uses multiple antennas. The transmitter switches transmit antennas sequentially, allowing the receiver to understand the antenna array structure and the switching order.

[0065] Traditionally, AOA or AOD estimation is performed based on the signals transmitted or received by an antenna array. Depending on the array implementation, the angle estimator has access to different types of measurements. For example, in a fully digital antenna array, the array can be viewed as a sensor array, where each antenna element can process samples individually through a separate digital signal processing chain. This enables the use of traditional high-precision angle estimation methods such as MUSIC and ESPRIT. However, when considering mobile networks and devices with non-dedicated sensor arrays (e.g., gNBs and UEs), the number of parallel digital chains is practically limited due to the increased complexity and cost. Therefore, in many cases, arrays are based on hybrid implementations, combining digital and analog functions. For analog antenna arrays, often referred to as phased arrays, a single sample is acquired that is summed across all elements with a predefined phase shift. This enables the implementation of efficient antenna arrays with good directivity and beamforming gain, but it limits the angle of observation to a given beamforming direction after the desired beamformer has been applied. Therefore, beam scanning is required to scan the environment to acquire information from different angles.

[0066] AOD estimation and AOA estimation using beam scanning are based on using different time-division multiplexed beams to send or receive signals. This type of process requires a lot of time and therefore increases the estimation delay and system overhead, and reduces power efficiency. Typically, angle estimation using beam scanning is based on power measurement of the beam direction (i.e., one power measurement per beam), without the need for complex value measurements and associated phase information. This makes the angle estimation method based on beam scanning less susceptible to phase noise and other synchronization-related errors compared to digital arrays. Through beam scanning, the angle estimate can be determined as the angle of the highest power beam, or a weighted average of the angles on multiple beam direction power measurements (interpolation between beam angles). Therefore, the angle estimation performance strongly depends on the number of training beams, especially the separation (resolution) of the beam angles. Therefore, for angle estimation based on beam scanning, there is a clear trade-off between estimation accuracy and the number of training beams used. Therefore, good angle estimation performance can be achieved at the expense of increased delay, increased system overhead, and increased power consumption.

[0067] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a solution for positioning is provided. In this solution, a first device obtains a measurement report, which includes channel information for at least one predetermined signal, and the at least one predetermined signal is sent from the second device to the third device on at least two sub-bands. The first device also obtains array characteristic information and beam configuration of at least one of the second device or the third device. Based on the measurement report, the first device determines angle information, and the measurement report includes: channel information of at least two sub-bands, array characteristic information, and beam configuration. Then, the first device determines positioning information of at least one of the third device or the second device based on the angle information. Therefore, positioning can be performed using power measurement of the signal. Phase noise in the phase information can be ignored, thereby enabling accurate positioning and improving communication efficiency and communication performance.

[0068] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 19 Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described for beam alignment.

[0069] Figure 1 FIG2 illustrates an example network environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The environment 100 may be part of a communication network, including terminal devices, network devices, and the like. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, a communication network 100 may include a positioning server 110, a terminal device 120, and a network device 130. The network device 130 may manage a cell 101. The terminal device 120 and the network device 120 may communicate with each other within the coverage area of the cell 101. The positioning server 110, the terminal device 120, and the network device 120 may also communicate with each other.

[0070] In this disclosure, a first device is used to refer to a device that calculates location, a second device is used to refer to a device that transmits a signal, and a third device is used to refer to a device that receives a signal. The first device can be a terminal device, a network device, or a positioning server. The second device can be a terminal device or a network device. The third device can be a terminal device or a network device. These examples are described for illustrative purposes only and the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] It should be understood that the number of positioning servers, network devices, and terminal devices is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. System 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and terminal devices suitable for implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not shown, it should be understood that one or more terminal devices may be located in environment 100.

[0072] Communications in the network environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G) or higher, wireless local area network communication protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. In addition, communications may utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), time division multiplexing (TDM), frequency division multiplexing (FDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), Bluetooth, Zigbee and machine type communication (MTC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC) and new radio unlicensed (NR-U) technology.

[0073] Figure 2 A signaling diagram illustrating an example process 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 2 There are a first device 201, a second device and a third device 203. The first device 201 may correspond to Figure 1 The second device 202 may be a positioning server 110. Figure 1 The terminal device 120, the third device 203 may be Figure 1 network device 130.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first device, the third device, and the second device may include: at least one terminal device, and at least one network device.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first device may be co-located with one of the third device and the second device. In some embodiments, the first device and the third device may be the same device or different devices. It should be understood that although reference has been made to Figure 1 The example process 200 is described with reference to the network environment 100 of FIG. 1 , but the process flow 200 can also be applied to other similar communication scenarios.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, a second device 202 initiates 207 a positioning session 212 with a third device 203. The positioning session 212 is used for the second device 202, the third device 203, or both. The second device 202 then transmits 209 at least one predetermined signal 214 for the positioning session 212 to the third device 203 over at least two subbands. On the other side of the communication, the third device 203 initiates 205 a positioning session 212 with the second device 202. The third device 203 then receives 211 at least one predetermined signal 214 for the positioning session 212 from the second device over at least two subbands.

[0077] In some embodiments, the second device 202 may perform 209 a data transmission 214 with the third device 203 during the positioning session 212. The second device 202 may send a reference signal 218 to the third device 203 via a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). In an example, the reference signal 218 may be a demodulation reference signal (DMRS).

[0078] In some embodiments, the third device 303 may send 221 a scheduling indication 220 to the second device, indicating that additional reference signals are scheduled on other frequencies or component carriers. Upon receiving 223 the scheduling indication from the third device 303, the second device 202 may send 225 an additional reference signal 222 to the third device 203 in the same beam as the data transmission. The third device 203 may then receive 227 the additional reference signal 222 from the second device 202.

[0079] In some embodiments, when the beam of the second device is to be changed, the second apparatus 202 may send a change indication 229 to the third apparatus 203. Upon receiving 231 the change indication, the third apparatus 203 may change the beam.

[0080] In another aspect of the communication, the first device 201 obtains 233 a measurement report comprising channel information for at least one predetermined signal sent from the second device 202 to the third device 303 on at least two subbands.

[0081] In some embodiments, the measurement report may include: a power measurement of at least one predetermined signal for at least two subbands for one or more beams; an amplitude measurement of at least one predetermined signal for at least two subbands for one or more beams; a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for at least two subbands; or a signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) for at least two subbands, or any combination of the above.

[0082] In some embodiments, the measurement report is determined in the first device, the second device, or the third device, and the measurement report is sent between the two different devices.

[0083] Based on determining that the array of the second device 202 is configured with at least two antenna elements, the second device 202 sends 235 array characteristic information and a beam configuration 226 of the second device 202 to the first device 201. Based on determining that the array of the third device 203 is configured with at least two antenna elements, the third device 203 sends 239 array characteristic information and a beam configuration 228 of the third device 203 to the first device 201.

[0084] In some embodiments, the array characteristic information may include: the number of antenna elements of the array; the antenna separation distance of the array; or information about the array gain function.

[0085] In some embodiments, the beam configuration may include the beam direction and center frequency of one or more beams.

[0086] After receiving 237 / 241 the array characteristic information and beam configuration of the second device 202 and the third device 203, the first device 201 determines 243 angle information based on a measurement report, which includes: channel information of at least two subbands, array characteristic information, and beam configuration.

[0087] In some embodiments, the angle information may include at least one of the following: path loss or angle.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first device 201 may determine the angle information by acquiring the angle information based on a measurement report, array characteristic information, and an estimation model used for beam configuration.

[0089] In some embodiments, when using the estimation model to obtain angle information, the first device 201 may obtain a function of array gain based on the array characteristic information and the beam configuration. Furthermore, the first device 201 may obtain an error function between the array gain function and a power measurement of at least one predetermined signal for one or more beams. The first device 201 may then determine the path loss and angle by minimizing the error function.

[0090] In some embodiments, based on determining that the second beam is closer to the estimated angle than the first beam, the first device 201 may determine 245 to perform a beam switch from the first beam to the second beam via the third device 203. The first device 201 may then send 247 a switch indication 234 to the third device 203. The switch indication 234 instructs the third device 203 to perform a beam switch. Upon receiving the switch indication 234 from the first device 201, the third device 203 may perform a beam switch from the first beam to the second beam based on the switch indication, wherein the second beam is closer to the estimated angle than the first beam.

[0091] Back to Figure 2 , the first device 201 determines 251 positioning information of at least one of the third device or the second device based on the angle information.

[0092] In the example, the inventors consider a uniform linear array (ULA) antenna with a phase shifter (i.e., a simulated array) without loss of generality, and provide an example of a numerical analysis of a 2D scenario with a single observable angle (azimuth or elevation). The signal is received using the ULA, which is configured to point to a single beam at an angle β. Under these conditions, when assuming a single line of sight (LOS) path, the power spectral density of the received signal can be shown to be as follows:

[0093]

[0094] Where f is the frequency, φ is the AOA, η is the path loss for the line-of-sight (LOS) path, and M is the number of antenna elements in the array. In addition,

[0095]

[0096] Among them, d ant is the antenna spacing distance of the ULA, c is the speed of light, f c is the center frequency used to generate the beamformer (i.e., the ULA phase shift of the beam used).

[0097] Figure 3 An example of beam power response for different beamforming angles for an AOA of 20 degrees according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The power spectral density G(f, φ, η) of the received signal with M = 32 ULA is illustrated for different beamforming angles with a fixed AOA of φ = 20°. The assumed center frequency of the beamformer design is f c = 60 GHz. This figure shows that pointing the beam in different directions results in a frequency shift in the power spectral density.

[0098] Regarding the desired AOA estimation process, the unknown parameters are AOAφ and path loss η. For example, these can be jointly estimated as:

[0099]

[0100] where Y(k) is the measured signal at subcarrier k. The above formula can basically be regarded as a nonlinear least squares (LS) problem, and the minimum value can be found by using, for example, the Gauss-Newton method.

[0101] Similarly, considering the observations on multiple beams with beam index b, the corresponding measurement signal for beam b at subcarrier k can be defined as Y b (k), and the power spectral density of the received signal for beam b can be defined as G b (f, φ, η). To use multiple beams to estimate the angle φ and the associated path loss parameter η, the above nonlinear LS problem becomes

[0102]

[0103] Figure 4 An example angle estimation process 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. At block 410, for one or more beam indices b, the operator obtains received power measurements |Y from the set of subcarriers with subcarrier index k. b (k)| 2 At block 420, assuming a known antenna array structure (ie, the number of antenna element positions), the operator defines the analysis power spectral density for the bth beam as G b At block 430, the operator estimates the angle φ(AOD / AOA) and the associated path loss parameter η by minimizing the least squares error over all beams, which is expressed as In some embodiments, the array of the third device 203 may be configured with at least two antenna elements, and then the first device 201 may determine positioning information of at least one of the second device 202 or the third device 203 using angle of arrival (AOA) estimation.

[0104] In some embodiments, the array of the second device 202 is configured with at least two antenna elements. Then, the first device 201 can use angle of departure (AOD) estimation to determine the positioning information of at least one of the second device 202 or the third device 203.

[0105] In some embodiments, the beam gains, or array gain functions, for at least two sub-bands of at least one predetermined signal may be different.

[0106] In existing standards, angle estimation is specified only on the network side via UL-AOA and DL-AOD methods. As mentioned above, the proposed method also enables DL-AOA and UL-AOD with feasible UE-side array configurations. Furthermore, UE-assisted and network-assisted methods for DL-AOA and UL-AOD can be configured accordingly.

[0107] In order to perform the proposed AOA or AOD estimation, the following information may be used:

[0108] - Reference signals, including their time and frequency distribution

[0109] - Array characteristics, such as array configuration, including element geometry or array gain

[0110] - Beam configuration, including beam direction (β) and considered center frequency (fc)

[0111] In Table 1, a brief overview of example information and related signaling is described for different NR-based AOA positioning scenarios (UE-based, network-based, UE-assisted, and network-assisted).

[0112] Table 1: Overview of different NR-based AOA positioning scenarios with examples of example information at the UE and the network and related signaling between the UE and the network.

[0113]

[0114]

[0115] In Table 2, a brief overview of example information and related signaling is described for different NR-based AOD positioning scenarios (UE-based, network-based, UE-assisted, and network-assisted).

[0116] Table 2: Overview of different NR-based AOD positioning scenarios with example information at the UE and network and related signaling between the UE and the network.

[0117]

[0118]

[0119] For illustrative purposes, Figure 5 An example signaling process 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to Figure 1 Describes the signaling process 500. It should be understood that although reference has been made to Figure 1 The process flow 500 is described with reference to the network environment 100 of FIG. 5 , but the signaling process 500 can also be applied to other similar communication scenarios.

[0120] As an example, Figure 5 The main steps of the dedicated UL-AOA-based positioning procedure using the proposed angle estimation method are shown in Figure 2. These steps focus on the radio access network (RAN), i.e., the UE and gNB side, and ignore the core network functions and related signaling, such as LMF. The main steps of the UL-AOA-based positioning procedure include:

[0121] UE 501 may request 510 positioning from LMF 503, and Transmission and Reception Point (TRP) / gNB 502 may also request 512 positioning from LMF 503. UE 501, TRP / gNB 502, and LMF 503 may then begin 514 a positioning session. UE capabilities, assistance data, and an initial position may be communicated during the positioning session. At this point, a communication link is established between the network and the UE, if not already available. Thus, feasible beams / directions to be used for the upcoming AOA estimation may be communicated.

[0122] The TRP / gNB 502 then notifies the UE 501 about the SRS transmission. The TRP / gNB 502 may send 516 an indication of the SRS resource allocation used, such as time resources and frequency resources. The TRP / gNB 502 may also request 518 possible other transmission configurations, such as other transmission configurations related to the UE-side beam configuration.

[0123] Thereafter, the gNB or gNB group (and / or associated TRP) 502 may receive 520 an uplink (UL) signal. The UL signal is received using at least one beam, although multiple beams may be used by appropriately scheduling UE transmissions. From the received signal, subcarrier-by-subcarrier power measurements on the active reference signal subcarriers are obtained 522. The TRP / gNB 502 may send 524 the power measurements to the LMF 503 via the NR Positioning Protocol Annex (NRPPa). The LMF 503 may then estimate the position of the UE 501 or TRP / gNB 502 and then send the position to them.

[0124] Figure 6 Another example signaling process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Describes the signaling process 600. It should be understood that although reference has been made to Figure 1 The process flow 600 is described with reference to the network environment 100 of FIG. 5 , but the signaling process 600 can also be applied to other similar communication scenarios.

[0125] As another example, the main steps of the method for network-side angle estimation using UL reference signals (such as DMRS) of an ongoing communication link in PUSCH / PUCCH are as follows: Figure 6 As shown in . Compared with the dedicated UL-AOA based positioning scenario described above, the angle estimation method here does not require any dedicated positioning associated beam, but uses the beam for communication. Therefore, the method does not use any additional reference signals, thereby minimizing system overhead, energy consumption and latency. In addition, the proposed AOA estimation can be used to control the beam in a timely manner, thereby potentially avoiding conventional beam training for communication signals. This type of beam tracking is feasible if the transmission gap occurs within the beam coverage area, so that the SNR is sufficient to provide beamwidth level angle estimation accuracy. The main steps associated with PUSCH / PUCCH (DMRS) AOA estimation include:

[0126] The communication link between UE 601, TRP / gNB 602, and LMF 603 is active. Transmissions occur in PUSCH and / or PDSCH during the session. UE 601 has an active connection 610 with network data transfers occurring in PUSCH and / or PDSCH, and PDSCH-related HARQ ACKs are sent over PUCCH.

[0127] The UE 601 may request positioning from the TRP / gNB 602, and the TRP / gNB 602 may send 614 the request to the LMF 603. During the data transmission, the UE and the TRP / gNB 602 and the LMF 603 may start a positioning session and communicate UE capabilities, assistance data, and an initial position during the positioning session.

[0128] The TRP / gNB 602 performs a PDSCH transmission with DMRS. In the case of PDSCH-oriented transmission, the network may use the DMRS found in the UL HARQ message sent via PUCCH. With PUSCH-oriented transmission, the DMRS may be found as part of the scheduled user data resources. The UE 601 may perform 620 a PUSCH / PUCCH transmission with DMRS for at least a single received beam. The TRP / gNB 602 then obtains per-subcarrier power measurements and an estimate of the AOA. The TRP / gNB 602 sends a measurement report via NRPPa. The LMF 603 performs 623 a position estimate. The LMF 603 then sends 628 an indication of position information to the TRP / gNB 602 or 630 an indication of position information to the UE 601. The TRP / gNB 602 makes 632 a beam switching decision based on the estimated AOA and the currently used beam.

[0129] During this process, additional training data may be allocated for improved performance. The TRP / gNB 602 sends an allocation for an additional reference signal (e.g., SRS) on the same or a different component carrier. The UE 601 may need to change its transmit beam and sends 636 an indication that the transmit beam has been changed.

[0130] In some examples, the gNB estimates the AOA using per-subcarrier power measurements and known characteristics of the receive array and associated beam configuration. If the estimated AOA is closer to the direction of another beam than the current beam, the gNB can change the receive beam and continue from step 2. Otherwise, the gNB can maintain the current beam and continue from step 2.

[0131] During a session, the following triggering events may occur:

[0132] To improve angle estimation accuracy or resolve ambiguity, the gNB can schedule additional reference signals on other frequencies or component carriers. Based on this scheduling, the UE includes additional frequency-multiplexed reference signals (on the same or other component carriers) in its data transmission. All reference signal transmissions are performed using the same (dummy) beam as the data transmission.

[0133] The UE needs to change its transmit beam. Depending on the previously defined session configuration, the UE may need to signal the beam change to the gNB.

[0134] A significant benefit of the proposed method is that it does not utilize phase information, but rather the amplitude or power of the received signal. Therefore, the method is not affected by specific synchronization errors or phase noise, which can be quite challenging, especially at high carrier frequencies. Additionally, because it focuses on power measurements, measurements from different time instances and different component carriers can be combined within the coherence time of the channel without strict synchronization requirements. This makes the proposed method particularly suitable for carrier aggregation schemes and, therefore, for new PRS / SRS bandwidth aggregations. Furthermore, the proposed method does not require contiguous allocation of subcarriers or component carriers, making it flexible for utilizing dispersed frequency resources.

[0135] The proposed method can be used to estimate the AOA or AOD of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) signals. In practice, in many cases, the assumed small UE array size limits the accuracy of angle estimation at the UE. However, compared to traditional analog array-based angle estimation methods, the proposed method is able to improve the accuracy and provides a considerable alternative to high-cost digital arrays. In the proposed method, the poor performance of analog arrays with a small number of array elements can be compensated by increasing the measurement bandwidth. This also enables angle estimation at the UE side, which is advantageous for, for example, UE bearing estimation.

[0136] In order to discuss the impact of the number of beams on positioning results, different numbers of beams are observed in different scenarios. These will be discussed separately.

[0137] Example numerical results for a single beam observation

[0138] To numerically illustrate the proposed method, a Loss of Sight scenario (without multipath) is considered. In the Loss of Sight scenario, a ULA with M = 16 antenna elements receives the signal using a single beam pointing at β = 31.95 degrees. The carrier frequency used is fc = 30 GHz, and 1000 observed subcarriers are spaced 960 kHz apart, resulting in a bandwidth of approximately 1 GHz. The SNR is defined as 15 dB with no beam gain.

[0139] Figure 7 An example iterative Gauss-Newton process for joint AOA and path loss estimation is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 As shown in , the x-axis refers to the AOA, and the y-axis refers to the normalized path loss value. The circle refers to the initial value, the cross refers to the final value, and the straight line from the circle to the cross refers to the iterative path. The black box indicates the true value. The light outline indicates the squared error for a pair of AOA and normalized path loss values, similar to the likelihood function. The true AOA and path loss values are approximately 26 degrees and 0.15 degrees, respectively. Although the initial parameter values of the Gauss-Newton process differ considerably from the true values, the iterative estimation process results in the final estimated value being approximately at the true value.

[0140] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates example iterative Gauss-Newton processes for AOA and path loss estimation, respectively, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The x-axis indicates the number of iterations, the y-axis of the top graph indicates the path loss, and the y-axis of the bottom graph indicates the AOA. As can be seen, both estimates converge consistently toward the true parameter value. It should be noted that the Gauss-Newton process shown is only one of many possible approaches to solving a given problem. By considering different variations of the Gauss-Newton algorithm, the results can be influenced. For example, the convergence rate can be directly influenced by adjusting specific step size parameters.

[0141] Example numerical results for multibeam observations

[0142] Similar to the single beam scenario above, consider the LOS channel (without multipath) using the same ULA with M=16 antenna elements. The inventors assume 3 separate frequency allocations (similar to carrier aggregation), where each allocation has a bandwidth of approximately 12 MHz. For all bands, the subcarrier spacing is defined as 120 kHz, and every four subcarriers contain reference symbols or pilot symbols for estimation. The SNR with no beam gain is approximately 3 dB. A graphical representation of the received signal spectrum of the highest power beam is shown in Figure 9 , in which the used frequency allocation consisting of 3 used frequency bands (each with a bandwidth of approximately 12 MHz) is also clearly visible.

[0143] Figure 10 An example function of beamforming angle for a single path scenario according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The x-axis refers to beam power and the y-axis refers to azimuth. The true angle is shown as a vertical dashed line. For illustration purposes, Figure 10 In , the received signal power (average power over all reference subcarriers) is presented for each beam. It should be emphasized that the proposed method may only require observing the subcarrier power of a single beam and therefore does not necessarily require beam scanning over multiple beam angles. Figure 10 As can be seen in Figure 2, the received beam power is highest for the two beams whose angles (31.95 and 37.74 degrees) are closest to the true AOA (34.08 degrees). Now, instead of considering the highest power beam, we will perform an estimation on the 2-3 highest power beams.

[0144] Assuming a high SNR with beamforming gain, the distribution of noise per-subcarrier power measurements can be approximated as a Gaussian distribution. When performing estimation using multiple beams, different beams have different SNRs, which can be accounted for in the estimation process. Assuming Gaussian measurements, the overall likelihood can be given as a weighted sum of the squared errors of the different beams, where the weights are determined by the beam-wise SNR.

[0145] Based on this, Figure 11 The AOA estimation results considering 1, 2, or 3 highest power beams are shown in , where the approximate likelihood is determined separately for each number of measurement beams. The left x-axis refers to the angle, the right x-axis refers to the path loss scaling factor, and the y-axis refers to the likelihood. The true value is shown as a black vertical dashed line. It can be seen that the likelihood is more accurate when using 2 or 3 beams compared to a single beam. However, it should be emphasized that the performance of the single beam approach is also very good, especially when recalling that no time-consuming beam scanning process is required. Nevertheless, there is basically no difference between using 2 or 3 beams, which is reasonable because the 3rd highest beam has a significantly lower SNR compared to the two highest power beams, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 10 Earlier seen.

[0146] Example numerical results for multi-beam observations in a multipath scenario

[0147] In the above numerical examples, a single path channel (LOS) without multipath propagation effects was considered. In the following, the proposed method is applied to a multipath channel using exactly the same simulation parameters as the numerical results of the multibeam observations above. The simulated channel is based on a ray tracing multipath profile in an urban environment, as Figure 12 Figure 1 shows a channel model. Path colors indicate the path power level. The transmitter and receiver are in an open area with a LOS connection. Multipath is observed through reflection, scattering, and diffraction from the ground and surrounding buildings. A total of 25 highest-power paths are considered in the channel model.

[0148] Figure 13 The beam power observed assuming a beam scanning process is shown. The x-axis refers to the beam power and the y-axis refers to the azimuth. The LOS angle is shown as a vertical dashed line. It should be noted that beam scanning is not required, but the beam power is shown for illustration purposes only. Similar to the previous Figure 10 For the single-path case shown in , the two highest beam powers are found around the LOS path (which is the only path in the model in the single-path case above). However, due to multipath propagation, significant beam powers can also be observed in other paths with different AOAs.

[0149] Figure 14 The likelihood of unknown parameters in a multipath scenario according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The left x-axis refers to the angle, the right x-axis refers to the path loss scaling factor, and the y-axis refers to the likelihood. The true value representing the LOS path is shown with a black vertical dashed line. Figure 14 In

[15] , the approximate likelihood is determined separately for each number of measurement beams in the multipath scenario. Compared to the earlier proposed single-path scenario, there is some incremental error in the estimation accuracy. However, as long as the AOA of the estimated path (here, the LOS path) is the dominant path, the AOA estimation accuracy is not seriously compromised. To manage multipath propagation, the proposed method can be extended to estimate the AOA of different multipaths to improve performance.

[0150] In this way, the proposed method provides new technical effects, such as enabling AoD and AoA estimation by using power measurement based on a single analog beam (also applicable to multiple beams) and meeting the requirements of low latency, low overhead and high power efficiency compared to solutions based on beam scanning. In addition, the proposed method is completely based on power measurement, and errors due to synchronization and phase noise are not decisive. This is especially important in carrier aggregation of reference signals (bandwidth aggregation of PRS / SRS). The proposed method can also be generalized to all phased arrays that use phase coherence between antenna elements to control the beam pattern. In addition, the proposed method provides procedures and signaling schemes for the following items: dedicated beam training schemes and related procedures and signaling; angle estimation during data transmission (PUSCH / PUCCH) with related procedures and signaling; and carrier aggregation aspects.

[0151] Figure 15FIGURE 1 illustrates an example flow chart of a method 1500 implemented at the first device 110 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 The method 1500 is described from the perspective of the first device 110. It should be understood that the method 1500 may also include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some of the blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0152] At block 1510 , the first device 110 obtains a measurement report including channel information for at least one predetermined signal transmitted from the second device to the third device on at least two subbands.

[0153] At block 1520 , the first device 110 acquires array characteristic information and beam configuration of the second device or the third device.

[0154] At block 1530, the first device 110 determines angle information based on a measurement report including: channel information of at least two subbands, array characteristic information, and beam configuration.

[0155] At block 1540 , the first device 110 determines positioning information of the third device or the second device based on the angle information.

[0156] In some embodiments, the measurement report may include: a power measurement of at least one predetermined signal for at least two subbands for one or more beams; an amplitude measurement of at least one predetermined signal for at least two subbands for one or more beams; a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for at least two subbands; or a signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) for at least two subbands.

[0157] In some embodiments, the array characteristic information may include: the number of antenna elements in the array; the spacing between antennas in the array; or information about the array gain function. In some embodiments, the beam configuration may include the beam direction and center frequency of one or more beams. In some embodiments, the angular information may include: path loss or angle.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first device may determine the angle information by acquiring the angle information based on a measurement report, array characteristic information, and an estimation model used for beam configuration.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first device may obtain angle information using an estimation model by: obtaining a function of array gain based on array characteristic information and beam configuration; obtaining an error function between the array gain function and a power measurement of at least one predetermined signal for one or more beams; and determining the path loss and angle by minimizing the error function.

[0160] In some embodiments, when determining positioning information for a third device or a second device by a first device, the positioning information with an angle of arrival (AOA) estimate may be determined based on determining that the array of the third device is configured with at least two antenna elements. The first device may also determine positioning information with an angle of departure (AOD) estimate based on determining that the array of the second device is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first device may determine beam switching from the first beam to the second beam by the third device based on determining that the second beam is closer to the estimated angle than the first beam; and send a switching indication to the third device, indicating that the third device performs beam switching.

[0162] In some embodiments, the measurement report may be determined in the first device, the second device, or the third device, and the measurement report may be sent between the two different devices.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first device may be co-located with the third device or the second device, or the first device and the third device may be the same device or different devices.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first device, the third device, and the second device may include: at least one terminal device, and at least one network device.

[0165] In some embodiments, the beam gains, or array gain functions, for at least two sub-bands of at least one predetermined signal may be different.

[0166] Figure 16 FIGURE 16 illustrates an example flow chart of a method 1600 implemented at the second device 120 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 The method 1600 is described from the perspective of the first device 110. It should be understood that the method 1600 may also include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some of the blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0167] At block 1610 , the second device 120 initiates a positioning session for the second device or the third device with a third device.

[0168] At block 1620, the second device 120 transmits at least one predetermined signal for a positioning session to the third device on at least two subbands.

[0169] At block 1630 , the second device 120 sends the array characteristic information and the beam configuration of the second device to the first device based on determining that the array of the second device is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0170] In some embodiments, the array characteristic information may include one or more of the following: the number of antenna elements of the array; the antenna separation distance of the array; or information about the array gain function. In some embodiments, the beam configuration may include the beam direction and center frequency of one or more beams.

[0171] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may perform a data transmission with a third device during a positioning session and transmit a reference signal to the third device. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may receive a scheduling indication from the third device indicating that additional reference signals are scheduled on other frequencies or component carriers and transmit the additional reference signals to the third device in the same beam as the data transmission. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit a change indication to the third device when the beam of the second device is about to change.

[0172] In some embodiments, the beam gains, or array gain functions, for at least two sub-bands of at least one predetermined signal may be different.

[0173] Figure 17 FIG2 illustrates an example flow chart of a method 1700 implemented at the third device 130 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 The method 1700 is described from the perspective of the third device 130. It should be understood that the method 1700 may also include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some of the blocks shown, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0174] At block 1710 , the third device 130 initiates a positioning session with the second device for the second device or the third device.

[0175] At block 1720 , the third device 130 receives at least one predetermined signal for a positioning session from the second device on at least two subbands.

[0176] At block 1730 , the third device 130 sends array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the third device to the first device based on determining that the array of the third device is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0177] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may send the array characteristic information and beam configuration of the third device to the first device 110 based on determining that the array of the third device is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0178] In some embodiments, the array characteristic information may include: the number of antenna elements of the array; the antenna separation distance of the array; or information about the array gain function. In some embodiments, the beam configuration may include the beam direction and center frequency of one or more beams.

[0179] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may perform data transmission with the second device during the positioning session; and receive a reference signal from the second device.

[0180] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may receive a switching indication from the first device, indicating that: the third device performs beam switching; and based on the switching indication, performs beam switching from the first beam to the second beam, wherein the second beam is closer to the estimated angle than the first beam.

[0181] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may send a scheduling indication to the second device, indicating that additional reference signals are scheduled on other frequencies or component carriers; and that additional reference signals are received from the second device in the same beam as the data transmission.

[0182] In some embodiments, the third device 130 may receive a change indication from the second device 120 , indicating that the beam of the second device is to be changed.

[0183] In some embodiments, a device (e.g., first device 110) is provided that can perform any of the methods 1500. The device may include components for performing the various steps of the method 1500. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0184] In some embodiments, the device includes: a component for obtaining a measurement report at a first device, the measurement report including channel information for at least one predetermined signal, the at least one predetermined signal being sent from a second device to a third device on at least two subbands; a component for obtaining array characteristic information and beam configuration of the second device or the third device; a component for determining angle information based on the measurement report, the measurement report including: channel information, array characteristic information, and beam configuration of at least two subbands; and a component for determining positioning information of the third device or the second device based on the angle information.

[0185] In some embodiments, the measurement report may include: a power measurement of at least one predetermined signal for at least two subbands for one or more beams; an amplitude measurement of at least one predetermined signal for at least two subbands for one or more beams; a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for at least two subbands; or a signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) for at least two subbands.

[0186] In some embodiments, the array characteristic information may include: the number of antenna elements in the array; the antenna spacing of the array; or information about the array gain function. In some embodiments, the beam configuration may include the beam direction and center frequency of one or more beams. In some embodiments, the angular information may include the following: path loss or angle.

[0187] In some embodiments, the means for determining the angle information may include means for obtaining the angle information based on a measurement report, array characteristic information, and an estimation model used for beam configuration.

[0188] In some embodiments, the component for obtaining angle information using an estimation model may include: a component for obtaining a function of array gain based on array characteristic information and a beam configuration; a component for obtaining an error function between the array gain function and a power measurement of at least one predetermined signal for one or more beams; and a component for determining the path loss and angle by minimizing the error function.

[0189] In some embodiments, the component for determining positioning information of the third device or the second device may include: a component for determining positioning information with an angle of arrival (AOA) estimate based on determining that the array of the third device is configured with at least two antenna elements; or a component for determining positioning information with an angle of departure (AOD) estimate based on determining that the array of the second device is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0190] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: a component for determining a beam switch from a first beam to a second beam by a third apparatus based on determining that the second beam is closer to the estimated angle than the first beam; and a component for sending a switching indication to the third apparatus, the switching indication indicating that the third apparatus performs the beam switch.

[0191] In some embodiments, the measurement report may be determined in the first device, the second device, or the third device, and the measurement report may be sent between the two different devices.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first device may be co-located with one of the third device and the second device, or the first device and the third device may be the same device or different devices.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first device, the third device, and the second device may include: at least one terminal device, and at least one network device.

[0194] In some embodiments, the beam gains, or array gain functions, for at least two sub-bands of at least one predetermined signal may be different.

[0195] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing other steps in some example embodiments of method 1500. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the performance of the apparatus.

[0196] In some embodiments, a device (e.g., second device 120) is provided that can perform any of the methods 1600. The device may include components for performing the various steps of the method 1600. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0197] In some embodiments, the device includes: a component for initiating a positioning session for at least one of the second device or the third device with a third device; a component for sending at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session to the third device on at least two subbands; and a component for sending array characteristic information and beam configuration of the second device to the first device based on determining that the array of the second device is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0198] In some embodiments, the array characteristic information may include one or more of the following: the number of antenna elements of the array; the antenna separation distance of the array; or information about the array gain function. In some embodiments, the beam configuration may include the beam direction and center frequency of one or more beams.

[0199] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: means for performing a data transmission with a third apparatus during a positioning session; means for sending a reference signal to the third apparatus; means for receiving a scheduling indication from the third apparatus indicating that additional reference signals are scheduled on other frequencies or component carriers; and means for sending the additional reference signal to the third apparatus in the same beam as the data transmission. Means for sending a change indication to the third apparatus when the beam of the second apparatus is to be changed.

[0200] In some embodiments, the beam gains, or array gain functions, for at least two sub-bands of at least one predetermined signal may be different.

[0201] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 1600. In some embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the performance of the apparatus.

[0202] In some embodiments, a device (e.g., third device 130) is provided that can perform any of the methods 1700. The device may include components for performing the various steps of the method 1700. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0203] In some embodiments, the device includes: a component for initiating a positioning session for at least one of the second device or the third device with the second device; a component for receiving at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session from the second device on at least two subbands; and a component for sending array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the third device to the first device based on determining that the array of the third device is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0204] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include means for transmitting at least one of array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the third apparatus to the first apparatus based on determining that the array of the third apparatus is configured with at least two antenna elements.

[0205] In some embodiments, the array characteristic information may include one or more of the following: the number of antenna elements of the array; the antenna separation distance of the array; or information about the array gain function. In some embodiments, the beam configuration may include the beam direction and center frequency of one or more beams.

[0206] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include means for performing a data transmission with the second apparatus during a positioning session; and means for receiving a reference signal from the second apparatus.

[0207] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: a component for receiving a switching indication from the first apparatus, the switching indication indicating that the third apparatus performs beam switching; and a component for performing beam switching from the first beam to a second beam based on the switching indication, wherein the second beam is closer to the estimated angle than the first beam.

[0208] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include: means for sending a scheduling indication to the second apparatus, the scheduling indication indicating that additional reference signals are scheduled on other frequencies or component carriers; and means for receiving the additional reference signals from the second apparatus in the same beam as the data transmission.

[0209] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include means for receiving a change indication from the second apparatus, the change indication indicating that a beam of the second apparatus is to be changed.

[0210] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing other steps in some example embodiments of method 1700. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the performance of the apparatus.

[0211] Figure 18 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1800 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1800 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1 1800. As shown, the device 1800 includes one or more processors 1810 and one or more communication modules 1840 coupled to the processors 1810. The device 1800 may also include one or more memories 1820 coupled to the processors 1810. The device 1800 may also include one or more memories 1820 coupled to the processors 1810 for storing instructions.

[0212] The communication module 1840 can be used for two-way communication. The communication module 1840 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required to communicate with other network elements.

[0213] Processor 1810 can be of any type suitable for the local technology network and, as non-limiting examples, can include one or more of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 1800 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-slave to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0214] The communication module 1840 may include, for example, one or more transceivers. The one or more transceivers may be coupled to one or more antennas to wirelessly transmit and receive communication signals. The one or more transceivers allow the communication device to communicate with other wired and / or wireless devices. The transceiver may support one or more radio technologies. For example, the one or more transceivers may include a cellular subsystem, a WLAN subsystem, and / or a Bluetooth subsystem. TM Subsystem. In some examples, one or more transceivers may include a processor, controller, radio, socket, plug, buffer, and similar circuits / devices for connecting to and communicating on a network.

[0215] Memory 1820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1824, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1822 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0216] Computer program 1830 includes computer-executable instructions executed by associated processor 610. Program 1830 may be stored in ROM 1824. Processor 1810 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 1830 into RAM 1822.

[0217] The embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented with the help of program 1830, so that the device 1800 can execute the reference Figures 2 to 15 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0218] In some embodiments, the program 1830 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be contained in the device 1800 (such as in the memory 1820) or in another storage device accessible by the device 1800. The device 1800 may load the program 1830 from the computer-readable medium into the RAM 1822 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible, non-volatile storage, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, optical disk, DVD, etc. Figure 19 An example of a computer readable medium 1900 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. The computer readable medium has a program 1830 stored thereon.

[0219] In general, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0220] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-referenced Figure 15 、 Figure 16 or Figure 17 Methods 1500, 1600, or 1700 are described. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of program modules can be combined or divided between program modules as needed. Machine-executable instructions for program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0221] The program code for executing the disclosed method can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, enables the function / operation specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be realized. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0222] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0223] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0224] In addition, although the operations are described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequence or performing all of the operations shown to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Equally, although several specific implementation details have been included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as a description of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0225] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to at least: obtaining a measurement report, the measurement report comprising channel information for at least one predetermined signal, the at least one predetermined signal being transmitted from the second apparatus to the third apparatus on at least two subbands; acquiring array characteristic information and beam configuration of at least one of the second device or the third device; determining angle information based on the measurement report, the measurement report comprising: the channel information of the at least two subbands, the array characteristic information, and the beam configuration; as well as Based on the angle information, positioning information of at least one of the third device or the second device is determined.

2. The first apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the measurement report comprises at least one of the following: a power measurement of the at least one predetermined signal of the at least two subbands for one or more beams; an amplitude measurement of the at least one predetermined signal for the at least two subbands for the one or more beams; a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the at least two subbands; or a signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) of the at least two subbands.

3. The first device according to claim 1, wherein: The array characteristic information includes at least one of the following: the number of antenna elements of the array; the antenna separation distance of the array; or information on an array gain function; and The beam configuration includes a beam direction and a center frequency of one or more beams; and The angle information includes at least one of the following items: path loss or angle.

4. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first device is configured to determine the angle information by: The angle information is obtained using an estimation model based on the measurement report, the array characteristic information, and the beam configuration.

5. The first device according to claim 4, wherein the first device is caused to obtain the angle information using the estimation model by: A function for obtaining array gain based on the array characteristic information and beam configuration; obtaining an error function between the array gain function and the power measurement of the at least one predetermined signal for one or more beams; The path loss and the angle are determined by minimizing the error function.

6. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first device is configured to determine the positioning information of at least one of the third device or the second device by at least one of the following: determining said positioning information with an angle of arrival (AOA) estimate based on determining that the array of said third apparatus is configured with at least two antenna elements; or Based on determining that the array of the second device is configured with at least two antenna elements, the positioning information with an angle of departure (AOD) estimate is determined.

7. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first device is further configured to: determining, by the third device, to switch the beam from the first beam to the second beam based on determining that the second beam is closer to the estimated angle than the first beam; and A switching indication is sent to the third device, where the switching indication indicates that the third device performs the beam switching.

8. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The measurement report is determined in at least one of the first device, the second device, or the third device; and The measurement report is sent between two different devices.

9. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first device is co-located with one of the third device and the second device, or The first device and the third device are the same device or different devices.

10. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first device, the third device, and the second device comprise: At least one terminal device, and at least one network device. 11 . The first apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein beam gains or the array gain functions of the at least two subbands for the at least one predetermined signal are different.

12. A second device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: initiating a positioning session for at least one of the second device or the third device with a third device; transmitting, on at least two subbands, at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session to the third device; as well as Based on determining that the array of the second device is configured with at least two antenna elements, array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the second device are sent to the first device.

13. The second device according to claim 12, wherein: The array characteristic information includes one or more of the following: the number of antenna elements of the array; the antenna separation distance of the array; or information about the array gain function; and The beam configuration includes a beam direction and a center frequency of one or more beams.

14. The second device of claim 12, wherein the second device is further configured to perform at least one of the following: performing data transmission with the third device during the positioning session; sending a reference signal to the third device; receiving a scheduling indication from the third device, the scheduling indication indicating: scheduling additional reference signals on other frequencies or component carriers; as well as transmitting the additional reference signal to the third device in a same beam as the data transmission; or When the beam of the second device is to be changed, a change indication is sent to the third device. 15 . The second apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein beam gains or the array gain functions of the at least two subbands for the at least one predetermined signal are different.

16. A third device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: initiating a positioning session with a second device for at least one of the second device or the third device; receiving, from the second device, at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session on at least two subbands; as well as Based on determining that the array of the third device is configured with at least two antenna elements, array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the third device are sent to the first device.

17. The third device according to claim 16, based on determining that the array of the third device is configured with at least two antenna elements, the third configuration is caused to transmit at least one of the array characteristic information and the beam configuration of the third device to the first device, wherein: The array characteristic information includes at least one of the following: the number of antenna elements of the array; the antenna separation distance of the array; or information on an array gain function; and The beam configuration includes a beam direction and a center frequency of one or more beams.

18. The third apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the third apparatus is further configured to perform at least one of the following: performing data transmission with the second device during the positioning session; and receiving a reference signal from the second device; or receiving a switching instruction from the first device, the switching instruction indicating that the third device performs beam switching; as well as performing the beam switching from a first beam to a second beam based on the switching indication, wherein the second beam is closer to the estimated angle than the first beam; or Sending a scheduling indication to the second device, the scheduling indication indicating: scheduling additional reference signals on other frequencies or component carriers; as well as receiving, from the second device, the additional reference signal in the same beam of the data transmission; or A change indication is received from the second device, the change indication indicating that the beam of the second device is to be changed.

19. A method comprising: obtaining, at the first device, a measurement report, the measurement report including channel information for at least one predetermined signal, the at least one predetermined signal being transmitted from the second device to the third device on at least two subbands; acquiring array characteristic information and beam configuration of at least one of the second device or the third device; determining angle information based on the measurement report, the measurement report comprising: the channel information of the at least two subbands, the array characteristic information, and the beam configuration; as well as Based on the angle information, positioning information of at least one of the third device or the second device is determined.

20. A method comprising: Initiating, at a second device, a positioning session for at least one of the second device or the third device with a third device; transmitting, on at least two subbands, at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session to the third device; as well as Based on determining that the array of the second device is configured with at least two antenna elements, array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the second device are sent to the first device.

21. A method comprising: Initiating, at a third device, a positioning session with a second device for at least one of the second device or the third device; receiving, from the second device, at least one predetermined signal for the positioning session on at least two subbands; as well as Based on determining that the array of the third device is configured with at least two antenna elements, array characteristic information and a beam configuration of the third device are sent to the first device.

22. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by a device, causes the device to at least perform the method according to any one of claims 19 to 21.

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