Enhanced Cell Identification Location Determination

Abstract

A technique for improving enhanced cell identification (E‑CID) positioning is provided. An example of a method for determining a location of a mobile device according to the present disclosure includes: generating a plurality of receive beams with a mobile device; receiving a radio beam transmitted from a base station with one or more of the plurality of receive beams, such that the radio beam includes a beam identification value; and determining a measurement quantity of the radio beam for each of the one or more of the plurality of receive beams.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Obtaining the location or orientation of a mobile device that is accessing a wireless network may be useful for many applications, including, for example, emergency calls, personal navigation, asset tracking, locating friends or family members, etc. Existing positioning methods include methods based on measuring radio signals transmitted from various devices, including satellite vehicles (SVs) and ground-based wireless sources in wireless networks, such as base stations and access points. In methods based on ground-based wireless sources, a mobile device can measure the timing of signals received from two or more base stations and determine the arrival time, arrival time difference, and / or reception time-transmission time difference. Combining these measurements with the known locations of the base stations and the known transmission times from each base station, positioning methods such as observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) or enhanced cell ID (E-CID) can be used to locate the mobile device.

[0002] Generally speaking, E-CID is a relatively low-complexity popular Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular network positioning protocol. In the E-CID positioning protocol, a mobile device can share a cell ID of a serving cell and additional parameters with a positioning server (LS), which are configured to enable the LS to estimate the location of the mobile device based on a 2D circular area of ​​cell coverage associated with the cell ID. Summary of the invention

[0003] An example of a method for determining a location of a mobile device according to the present disclosure includes: generating multiple receive beams using a mobile device; receiving a radio beam sent from a base station using one or more of the multiple receive beams, so that the radio beam includes a beam identification value; and determining a measurement amount of the radio beam for each of one or more of the multiple receive beams.

[0004] Implementations of this method may include one or more of the following features. The location of the mobile device may be based at least in part on a beam identification value and a measurement of a radio beam for each of the one or more receive beams. Determining the location may include providing the beam identification value and the measurement of the radio beam for each of the one or more receive beams to a positioning server and receiving the location from the positioning server. A beam width may be determined for at least one of the one or more of the plurality of receive beams, and determining the location may be based at least in part on the beam width. Determining the beam width may include determining a first measurement of a first receive beam and a second measurement of a second receive beam, such that the second measurement is 50% of the first measurement, and the beam width is equal to the width of the second receive beam. Determining the beam width may include determining a first measurement of a first receive beam and a second measurement of a second receive beam, such that the second measurement is 50% of the first measurement, and the beam width is based on an angle between the first receive beam and the second receive beam. The measurement may be a reference signal received power value and / or a reference signal received quality value. The measurement may be an average angle of at least one of the one or more receive beams relative to an orientation of the mobile device or relative to a coordinate system.

[0005] An example of a mobile device according to the present disclosure includes one or more modems and antenna modules, which are configured to generate multiple receive beams using the mobile device, receive radio beams sent from a base station using one or more of the multiple receive beams, wherein the radio beam includes a beam identification value; and at least one processor, which is configured to determine a measurement quantity of the radio beam for each of one or more of the multiple receive beams.

[0006] Embodiments of such a mobile device may include one or more of the following features. The at least one processor may be configured to determine a location based at least in part on a beam identification value and a measurement of a radio beam for each of one or more of a plurality of receive beams. The at least one processor may be configured to determine a location by providing a beam identification value and a measurement of a radio beam for each of one or more of a plurality of receive beams to a positioning server, and receiving the location from the positioning server. The at least one processor may be configured to determine a beam width of at least one of the one or more of the plurality of receive beams, and determine a location based at least in part on the beam width. The at least one processor may be configured to determine the beam width by determining a first measurement of a first receive beam and a second measurement of a second receive beam, such that the second measurement is 50% of the first measurement, and the beam width is equal to the width of the second receive beam. The at least one processor may be configured to determine the beam width by determining a first measurement of a first receive beam and a second measurement of a second receive beam, such that the second measurement is 50% of the first measurement, and the beam width is based on an angle between the first receive beam and the second receive beam. The measurement may be a reference signal received power value or a reference signal received quality value. The measurement quantity may be an average angle of at least one of the one or more of the plurality of receive beams relative to the orientation of the mobile device or relative to a coordinate system.

[0007] An example of a method for determining a location of a mobile device according to the present disclosure includes receiving a measurement result measured by the mobile device, the measurement result including at least a beam identification value and a received power value associated with a directional synchronization signal block received by one or more receive beams generated by the mobile device; and determining the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the measurement result.

[0008] Implementations of this method may include one or more of the following features. The measurement results may include a receive beam width value based on one or more receive beams, and determining the location of the mobile device may be based at least in part on the receive beam width value. The measurement results may include a reference signal received power value, and determining the location of the mobile device may be based at least in part on the reference signal received power value. The measurement results may include a reference signal received quality value, and determining the location of the mobile device is based at least in part on the reference signal received quality value. The measurement results may include an average angle of the receive beam relative to a coordinate system, and determining the location of the mobile device is based at least in part on the average angle of the receive beam. An enhanced cell identification measurement initiation request message may be provided to the mobile device, so that the enhanced cell identification measurement initiation request message includes a measurement quantity information element, which lists a beam ID value, an average angle per receive beam value, a reference signal received power per beam ID value, and a beam width per beam ID value. Receiving measurement results from a mobile device may include receiving an enhanced cell identification measurement result message from the mobile device, such that the enhanced cell identification measurement result message includes a result beam information element based on one or more receive beams, and the result beam information element may list a beam ID value, an average angle of the receive beam value, a reference signal receive power for each beam value, and a receive beam width value.

[0009] An example of a system for determining a location of a mobile device according to the present disclosure includes at least one communication module configured to receive measurement results measured by the mobile device, the measurement results including at least a beam identification value and a received power value associated with a directional synchronization signal block received by one or more receive beams generated by the mobile device; and at least one processor configured to determine the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the measurement results.

[0010] Implementations of such a system may include one or more of the following features. The measurement result may include a receive beam width value based on one or more receive beams, and at least one processor may be configured to determine the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the receive beam width value. The measurement result may include a reference signal received power value, and at least one processor may be configured to determine the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the reference signal received power value. The measurement result may include a reference signal received quality value, and at least one processor may be configured to determine the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the reference signal received quality value. The measurement result may include an average angle of the receive beam relative to a coordinate system, and at least one processor may be configured to determine the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the average angle of the receive beam. At least one processor may be configured to provide an enhanced cell identification measurement initiation request message to the mobile device, so that the enhanced cell identification measurement initiation request message includes a measurement quantity information element, which lists a beam ID value, an average angle per receive beam value, a reference signal received power per beam ID value, and a beam width per beam ID value. Receiving measurement results from a mobile device may include receiving an enhanced cell identification measurement result message from the mobile device, such that the enhanced cell identification measurement result message includes a result beam information element based on one or more receive beams, and the result beam information element may list a beam ID value, an average angle of the receive beam value, a reference signal receive power for each beam value, and a receive beam width value.

[0011] The devices and / or techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following capabilities, as well as other capabilities not mentioned. A base station may send a periodic synchronization signal. The synchronization signal may be a directional beam. Each synchronization signal may include a beam identification value. A mobile device may generate a directional receive beam configured to receive a synchronization signal. The receive beam may be directional relative to the orientation of the mobile device. The orientation of the mobile device may be determined based on a coordinate system (e.g., true north, magnetic north, etc.), and the receive beam may be directional relative to the coordinate system. The beam width of the receive beam may vary. One or more measurement quantities may be determined for each receive beam. The measurement quantity is associated with the beam identification value. The measurement quantity may be an average angle of the receive beam (relative to the orientation of the mobile device), a reference signal received power (RSRP) value, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) value, and a receive beam width value. The UE may determine the current position based on the measurement quantity. The measurement quantity may be provided to a network node. It may also be possible to receive synchronization beams from other base stations and use them to determine the current position of the mobile device. In addition, the above-mentioned effects may be achieved in a manner other than the manner described, and the item / technology may not necessarily produce the effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an example communication system.

[0013] FIG. 2A is an example synchronization signal in a fifth generation new radio (5G NR) wireless network.

[0014] 2B is an example channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) periodicity configuration in a 5G NR wireless network.

[0015] 3 is a conceptual diagram of a directional beam transmitted from a base station based on a synchronization signal (SS) burst.

[0016] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an antenna module in an example mobile device with configurable receive beam steering and receive beam width.

[0017] Figure 5 is a signaling flow diagram illustrating messages sent between components of a communication network during a positioning session.

[0018] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing E-CID positioning based on multiple beams transmitted from a base station.

[0019] Fig. 7A is a conceptual diagram illustrating E-CID positioning based on beam steering within a mobile device.

[0020] Figure 7B is a conceptual diagram illustrating E-CID positioning based on configurable receive beamwidth within a mobile device.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flow diagram of an example process typically performed at a mobile device to support and facilitate positioning of a mobile device.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a flow diagram of an example process typically performed at a mobile device to provide E-CID measurements to a network node.

[0023] Fig.10 is a flow diagram of an example process typically performed at a network node to facilitate positioning of a mobile device.

[0024] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of an example wireless node (eg, a base station, access point, or server).

[0025] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a mobile device (eg, UE). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Obtaining the location or orientation of a mobile device accessing a wireless network may be useful for many applications, including, for example, emergency calls, personal navigation, asset tracking, locating friends or family members, etc. Existing positioning methods include methods based on measuring radio signals transmitted from various devices, including satellite vehicles (SVs) and ground-based radio sources in wireless networks, such as base stations and access points. In the method based on ground-based radio sources, a mobile device can measure the timing of signals received from two or more base stations and determine signal strength, arrival time, arrival time difference, and / or reception time-transmission time difference. Combining these measurements with the known locations of the base stations and the possible known transmission times from each base station, positioning methods such as observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) or enhanced cell ID (E-CID) can be used to locate the mobile device. This ground-based positioning method can be used in wireless networks that support different wireless technologies, such as the long-term evolution (LTE) and fifth-generation (5G) (also known as new radio (NR)) technologies defined by an organization called the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0027] In existing LTE networks, the accuracy of E-CID positioning is typically limited because the position uncertainty can only be reduced to a 2D circular area with a limited radius. In modern wireless networks, the impact of this limitation may be reduced. For example, in a 5G NR network, base stations such as gNBs can transmit and receive to / from mobile devices using millimeter wave (mm wave) frequencies above 24 GHz. The 5G NR physical layer relies on beamforming technology to establish efficient and reliable communication between stations. The transmitted directional beam can be encoded with unique beam identification information that is configured to allow the receiving station to distinguish between various beams transmitted by one or more base stations in the network. In an example, the beam ID value can be encapsulated in a synchronization signal burst index (i.e., SSB index value). The mobile device can be configured to receive the transmitted beam by forming a corresponding directional receive beam aligned in the approximate direction of the transmitter.

[0028] To improve the accuracy of E-CID positioning, the mobile device receiver can be configured to utilize the received cell identification information and the received beam ID information (e.g., SSB index value). The addition of beam ID information can be used to reduce the position uncertainty of a specific sector of a cell by mapping the beam ID to a spatial average angle. The E-CID position estimate can be further improved by using additional measurements to estimate the position of the mobile device within a specific beam, and the additional measurements are, for example, received beam width values ​​and signal strength related parameters (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP) and reference signal received quality (RSRQ) values) per measured beam ID. The mobile device can utilize the additional measurements to determine the current position (e.g., local calculation), and / or the measurements can be provided to a network node to determine the current position of the mobile device (e.g., remote calculation / network assistance). In local or remote calculation use cases, additional information elements (IEs) can be included in the 5G NR communication protocol to request and propagate measurement quantities.

[0029] Figure 1 A diagram of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The communication system 100 can be configured to implement E-CID positioning. Here, the communication system 100 includes a mobile device (i.e., user equipment (UE)) 105 and components of a fifth generation (5G) network, which includes a next generation (NG) radio access network (RAN) (NG-RAN) 135 and a 5G core network (5GC) 140. The 5G network may also be referred to as a new radio (NR) network; the NG-RAN 135 may be referred to as a 5G RAN or an NR RAN; and the 5GC 140 may be referred to as an NG core network (NGC). 3GPP is standardizing NG-RAN and 5GC. Therefore, NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140 may comply with current or future 5G support standards of 3GPP. The communication system 100 may further utilize information from a satellite vehicle (SV) 190 for a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), such as a global positioning system (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou, or some other local or regional satellite positioning system (SPS), such as IRNSS, EGNOS, or WAAS. Additional components of the communication system 100 are described below. The communication system 100 may include additional or alternative components.

[0030] Notice, Figure 1Only a general description of the various components is provided, any or all of which may be used where appropriate, and each of which may be duplicated or omitted as desired. In particular, although only one UE 105 is shown, it should be understood that many UEs (e.g., hundreds, thousands, millions, etc.) may utilize the communication system 100. Similarly, the communication system 100 may include more (or fewer) SVs 190, gNBs 110, ng-eNBs 114, AMFs 115, external clients 130, and / or other components. The connections of the various components in the illustrated connection communication system 100 include data and signaling connections, which may include additional (intermediate) components, direct or indirect physical and / or wireless connections, and / or additional networks. In addition, components may be rearranged, combined, separated, replaced, and / or omitted, depending on the desired functionality.

[0031] Although Figure 1 A 5G-based network is shown, but similar network implementations and configurations may be used for other communication technologies, such as 3G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc. The implementations described herein (whether for 5G technology or for other communication technologies and protocols) may be used to transmit (or broadcast) directional synchronization signals (e.g., gNB 110, ng-eNB 114), receive and measure the directional signals at a UE (e.g., UE 105), and provide position assistance to UE 105 (via GMLC 125 or other positioning server), and / or calculate the position of UE 105 at a device with positioning capabilities such as UE 105, gNB 110, or LMF 120 based on measurements received at UE 105 for such directional transmission signals. It should be understood that the gateway mobile positioning center (GMLC 125), the location management function (LMF 120), the access and mobility management function (AMF 115), and the ng-eNB (eNodeB) and gNB (gNodeB) are exemplary and, in various embodiments, may be replaced or included by various other positioning server functions and / or base station functions, respectively.

[0032] UE 105 may include and / or may be referred to as a device, a mobile device, a wireless device, a mobile terminal, a terminal, a mobile station (MS), a terminal (SET) supporting secure user plane location (SUPL), or other names. In addition, UE 105 may correspond to a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop, a tablet, a PDA, a tracking device, a navigation device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or some other portable or portable device. Typically, although not necessarily, UE 105 can support wireless communications using one or more radio access technologies (RATs), such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), LTE, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), IEEE 802.11 WiFi (also known as Wi-Fi), (BT), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), 5G New Radio (NR) (e.g., using NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140), etc. UE 105 may also support wireless communications using a wireless local area network (WLAN), which may be connected to other networks (e.g., the Internet) using, for example, a digital subscriber line (DSL) or packet cable. The use of one or more of these RATs may allow UE 105 to communicate with external clients 130 (e.g., via Figure 1 Elements of the 5GC 140 not shown, or possibly via a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 125), and / or allowing an external client 130 to receive location information about the UE 105 (e.g., via the GMLC 125).

[0033] UE 105 may include, for example, a single entity in a personal area network or may include multiple entities, in which a user may use audio, video and / or data I / O devices and / or body sensors and a separate wired or wireless modem. The estimate of the location of UE 105 may be referred to as positioning, location estimation, location determination, determination, orientation, orientation estimation or orientation determination, and may be geographical, so providing the location coordinates of UE 105 (e.g., latitude and longitude) may include or exclude a height component (e.g., height above sea level, height above ground level, floor level or basement level, or depth below ground level, floor level or basement level). Alternatively, the location of UE 105 may be represented as an urban location (e.g., as a postal address or a landmark of a point or small area in a building, such as a specific room or floor). The location of UE 105 may also be represented as an area or volume (defined in geographical or urban form) in which UE 105 is expected to be located with a certain probability or confidence level (e.g., 67%, 95%, etc.). The location of the UE 105 may also be a relative location, including, for example, a distance and direction or relative X, Y (and Z) coordinates defined relative to some origin at a known location, which may be defined geographically, in urban terms, or by reference to a point, area, or volume indicated on a map, floor plan, or building plan. In the description contained herein, unless otherwise stated, the use of the term "location" may include any of these variations. When calculating the location of a UE, it is typically to solve for local x, y, and possibly z coordinates, and then, if necessary, convert the local coordinates to absolute coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and height above or below mean sea level).

[0034] Figure 1 The base stations (BSs) in the NG-RAN 135 shown include NR Node Bs (also referred to as gNBs) 110-1 and 110-2 (collectively referred to herein as gNBs 110). The paired gNBs 110 in the NG-RAN 135 may be connected to each other, e.g. Figure 1 The UE 105 may be directly connected as shown or indirectly connected through other gNBs 110. The UE 105 may be provided with access to the 5G network through wireless communication between the UE 105 and one or more gNBs 110. The gNB 110 may provide wireless communication access to the 5G network on behalf of the UE 105 using 5G. Figure 1 , it is assumed that the serving gNB for UE 105 is gNB 110-1, but if UE 105 moves to another location, other gNBs (e.g., gNB 110-2) can act as the serving gNB, or can act as auxiliary gNBs to provide additional throughput and bandwidth to UE 105.

[0035] Figure 1 The base stations (BSs) in the NG-RAN 135 shown in FIG. 1 may also include a next generation evolved Node B, also referred to as ng-eNB 114. The ng-eNB 114 may be connected to one or more gNBs 110 in the NG-RAN 135, such as Figure 1 The ng-eNB 114 may be directly connected as shown, or indirectly connected through other gNBs 110 and / or other ng-eNBs. The ng-eNB 114 may provide LTE wireless access and / or evolved LTE (eLTE) wireless access to the UE 105. Figure 1 Some gNBs 110 (e.g., gNB 110-2) and / or ng-eNBs 114 may be configured to function as positioning-only beacons, which may send signals (e.g., directional PRS) to help locate UE 105, but may not receive signals from UE 105 or other UEs.

[0036] As mentioned above, although Figure 1 Nodes configured to communicate according to a 5G communication protocol are depicted, but nodes configured to communicate according to other communication protocols, such as the LTE protocol or the IEEE 802.11x protocol, may be used. For example, in an Evolved Packet System (EPS) that provides LTE wireless access to UE 105, the RAN may include an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), which may include base stations that include evolved Node Bs (eNBs). The core network of the EPS may include an Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The EPS may also include the E-UTRAN and the EPC, where the E-UTRAN corresponds to the UE 105. Figure 1 In NG-RAN 135, EPC corresponds to Figure 1 5GC 140 in. The methods and techniques described herein for supporting UE 105 positioning using directional SS bursts may be applicable to such other networks, such as from eNBs and / or from WiFi IEEE 802.11 access points (APs).

[0037] The gNB 110 and ng-eNB 114 may communicate with an access and mobility management function (AMF) 115, which in turn communicates with a location management function (LMF) 120 for positioning functions. The AMF 115 may support mobility of the UE 105, including cell changes and handovers, and may participate in supporting signaling connections to the UE 105, and may support data and voice bearers for the UE 105. The LMF 120 may support positioning of the UE 105 when the UE accesses the NG-RAN 135, and may support positioning procedures / methods such as Assisted GNSS (A-GNSS), Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA), Real-Time Kinematics (RTK), Precise Point Positioning (PPP), Differential GNSS (DGNSS), Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID), Angle of Arrival (AOA), Angle of Departure (AOD), and / or other positioning methods. The LMF 120 may also process a positioning service request for the UE 105, for example, received from the AMF 115 or the GMLC 125. The LMF 120 may be connected to the AMF 115 and / or the GMLC 125. The LMF 120 may be referred to by other names, such as a location manager (LM), a location function (LF), a commercial LMF (CLMF), or a value-added LMF (VLMF). In some embodiments, a node / system implementing the LMF 120 may additionally or alternatively implement other types of location support modules, such as an enhanced serving mobile location center (E-SMLC) or a secure user plane location (SUPL) location platform (SLP). Note that in some embodiments, at least a portion of the positioning function (including deriving the location of the UE 105) may be performed at the UE 105 (e.g., using signal measurements obtained by the UE 105 for signals transmitted by wireless nodes such as the gNB 110 and the ng-eNB 114, and assistance data provided to the UE 105 by the LMF 120, for example).

[0038] The Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 125 may support location requests for the UE 105 received from the external client 130, and may forward such location requests to the AMF 115 for forwarding by the AMF 115 to the LMF 120, or may forward the location requests directly to the LMF 120. A location response (e.g., containing a location estimate for the UE 105) from the LMF 120 may similarly be returned to the GMLC 125 directly or via the AMF 115, and the GMLC 125 may then return the location response (e.g., containing a location estimate) to the external client 130. The GMLC 125 is shown as being connected to the AMF 115 and the LMF 120, although in some embodiments the 5GC 140 may support only one of these connections.

[0039] like Figure 1 As further shown in FIG. 1 , LMF 120 may communicate with gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114 using a new radio positioning protocol A (which may be referred to as NPPa or NRPPa), which may be defined in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.455. NRPPa may be the same as, similar to, or an extension of LTE Positioning Protocol A (LPPa) defined in 3GPP TS 36.455, and NRPPa messages may be transmitted between gNB 110 and LMF 120 and / or between ng-eNB 114 and LMF 120 via AMF 115. Figure 1 As further shown in , the LMF 120 and the UE 105 may communicate using the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) defined in 3GPP TS 36.355. The LMF 120 and the UE 105 may also or alternatively communicate using a new radio positioning protocol (which may be referred to as NPP or NRPP), which may be the same as, similar to, or an extension of the LPP. Here, LPP and / or NPP messages may be transmitted between the UE 105 and the LMF 120 via the AMF 115 and the serving gNB 110-1 or serving ng-eNB 114 for the UE 105. For example, the LPP and / or NPP messages may be transmitted between the LMF 120 and the AMF 115 using the 5G Positioning Service Application Protocol (LCS AP), and may be transmitted between the AMF 115 and the UE 105 using the 5G Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol. The LPP and / or NPP protocols may be used to support positioning of UE 105 using UE-assisted and / or UE-based positioning methods (e.g., A-GNSS, RTK, OTDOA, and / or E-CID). The NRPPa protocol may be used to support positioning of UE 105 using network-based positioning methods such as E-CID (e.g., when used with measurements obtained by gNB 110 or ng-eNB 114), and / or may be used by LMF 120 to obtain location-related information from gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114, such as parameters defining directional SS transmissions from gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114.

[0040] Using the UE-assisted positioning method, the UE 105 can obtain location measurements and send the measurements to a positioning server (e.g., LMF 120) for calculating a location estimate of the UE 105. For example, the location measurements can include one or more of a received signal strength indication (RSSI), a round trip signal propagation time (RTT), a reference signal time difference (RSTD), a reference signal received power (RSRP), and / or a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) of the gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, and / or WLAN AP. The location measurements can also or alternatively include measurements of GNSS pseudoranges, code phases, and / or carrier phases of the SV 190. Using the UE-based positioning method, the UE 105 can obtain location measurements (e.g., which can be the same or similar to the location measurements of the UE-assisted positioning method) and can calculate the location of the UE 105 (e.g., with the aid of assistance data received from a positioning server such as LMF 120 or broadcast by the gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, or other base stations or APs). Using a network-based positioning method, one or more base stations (e.g., gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114) or APs may obtain location measurement results (e.g., measurements of RSSI, RTT, RSRP, RSRQ, or time of arrival (TOA) of a signal sent by UE 105), and / or may receive measurements obtained by UE 105, and may send the measurements to a positioning server (e.g., LMF 120) for calculating a position estimate of UE 105.

[0041] The information provided by gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114 to LMF 120 using NRPPa may include timing and configuration information for directional SS transmissions and location coordinates. LMF 120 may then provide some or all of this information to UE 105 as assistance data in LPP and / or NPP messages via NG-RAN 135 and 5GC 140.

[0042] Depending on the desired functionality, the LPP or NPP message sent from the LMF 120 to the UE 105 may instruct the UE 105 to perform any of a variety of tasks. For example, the LPP or NPP message may contain instructions for the UE 105 to obtain measurements of GNSS (or A-GNSS), WLAN, E-CID, and / or OTDOA (or some other positioning method). In the case of E-CID, the LPP or NPP message may instruct the UE 105 to obtain one or more measurements (e.g., beam ID, beam width, average angle, RSRP, RSRQ measurements) of directional signals transmitted within a particular cell supported by a particular gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114 (or supported by other types of base stations such as eNBs or WiFi APs). The UE 105 may send the measurements back to the LMF 120 in an LPP or NPP message (e.g., in a 5G NAS message) via the serving gNB 110-1 (or serving ng-eNB 114) and the AMF 115.

[0043] As described above, although the communication system 100 is described with respect to 5G technology, the communication system 100 may be implemented to support other communication technologies, such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, etc., which are used to support and interact with mobile devices such as UE 105 (e.g., to implement voice, data, positioning, and other functions). In some such embodiments, the 5GC 140 may be configured to control different air interfaces. For example, in some embodiments, the 5GC 140 may use the non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF, Figure 11140) is connected to the WLAN. For example, the WLAN may support IEEE 802.11 WiFi access for the UE 105 and may include one or more WiFi APs. Here, the N3IWF may be connected to the WLAN and other elements in the 5GC 150, such as the AMF 115. In some other embodiments, both the NG-RAN 135 and the 5GC 140 may be replaced by other RANs and other core networks. For example, in the EPS, the NG-RAN 135 may be replaced by an E-UTRAN including an eNB, and the 5GC 140 may be replaced by an EPC including a mobility management entity (MME) instead of an AMF 115, an E-SMLC instead of an LMF 120, and a GMLC that may be similar to the GMLC 125. In such an EPS, the E-SMLC may use LPPa instead of NRPPa to send and receive location information to and from the eNB in ​​the E-UTRAN, and may use LPP to support the positioning of the UE 105. In these other embodiments, positioning of UE 105 using directional PRS may be supported in a manner similar to that described herein for 5G networks, except that the functions and processes described herein for gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, AMF 115, and LMF 120 may in some cases be applied alternatively to other network elements, such as eNBs, WiFi APs, MMEs, and E-SMLCs.

[0044] As described above, in some embodiments, the positioning functionality may be implemented at least in part using directional SS beams transmitted by a base station (e.g., gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114) at a UE (e.g., a UE) whose position is to be determined. Figure 1 In some cases, the UE may use directional SS beams from multiple base stations (e.g., gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, etc.) to calculate the UE's position.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2A, an example synchronization signal in a 5G NR wireless network is shown. The synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB / SS block) may include a primary synchronization signal and a secondary synchronization signal (PSS, SSS), each synchronization signal occupies 1 symbol and 127 subcarriers, and the PBCH spans 3 OFDM symbols and 240 subcarriers. The periodicity of the SSB may be configured by the network, and the time position at which the SSB may be sent is determined by the subcarrier spacing. Multiple SSBs may be transmitted within the frequency range of a carrier. The physical cell identifier (PCI) of the SSB does not have to be unique, i.e., different SSBs may have different PCIs.

[0046] In some versions of 3GPP specifications (e.g., 3GPP “NR and NG-RAN Overall Description–Rel.15,” TS 38.300, 2018), the concepts of SSB and bursts appear for transmitting periodic synchronization signals from the gNB. As shown in Figure 2, an SS block can be a group of 4 OFDM symbols in time and 240 subcarriers in frequency (i.e., 20 resource blocks). An SS block can carry PSS, SSS, and PBCH. The demodulation reference signal (DMRS) associated with the PBCH can be used to estimate the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the SS block. In a time slot of 14 symbols, there are two possible positions for SS blocks: symbols 2-5 and symbols 8-11. SS blocks can be grouped into the first 5 milliseconds of an SS burst, which can have different periodicity TSS. For example, the value of TSS can be in the order of 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 160 milliseconds. When first accessing the network, the UE can assume a periodicity TSS = 20 milliseconds. When considering the frequencies where beam operation is required, each SS block can be mapped to a specific angular direction. To reduce the impact of SS transmissions, SSs can be sent via wide beams, while data transmissions by active UEs can typically be performed via narrow beams to increase the gain generated by beamforming.

[0047] In an embodiment, in connected mode, for the purpose of mobility management, CSI-RS can be used for radio resource management (RRM) measurements. For example, multiple CSI-RS can be configured to the same SS burst so that the UE can first use the SS burst to obtain synchronization with a given cell and then use the synchronization as a reference to search for CSI-RS resources. The CSI-RS measurement window configuration may contain at least a periodicity and a time / frequency offset relative to the associated SS burst. Referring to FIG. 2B , an exemplary CSI-RS periodicity configuration in a 5GNR wireless network is shown. SS blocks may be transmitted every TSS milliseconds, and they embed time and frequency offsets that indicate the time and frequency allocation of CSI-RS signals within the frame structure. As described, after the SS burst ends, T CSI milliseconds, a CSI-RS signal may be sent. Generally, in 5G NR networks, the optimal direction of a transceiver beam needs to be periodically identified (e.g., through a beam search operation) to maintain alignment between communication nodes. In an example, SS- and CSI-based measurement results may be used jointly to reflect the different coverage that can be achieved through different beamforming architectures.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3 , a conceptual diagram of a directional beam transmitted from a base station based on a synchronization signal (SS) burst is shown. The SS burst includes a plurality of SS blocks, such as a first SS block 302, a second SS block 304, a third SS block 306, a fourth SS block 308, and a fifth SS block 310. The SS burst may include additional SS blocks. As described above, each SS block 302, 304, 306, 308, 310 may be mapped to an angular direction and a specific beam ID. For example, the first SS block 302 is mapped to a first beam 302a having a beam identification value (e.g., index) of 1, the second SS block 304 is mapped to a second beam 304a having a beam identification value of 2, the third SS block 306 is mapped to a third beam 306a having a beam identification value of 3, the fourth SS block 308 is mapped to a fourth beam 308a having a beam identification value of 4, and the fifth SS block 310 is mapped to a fifth beam 310a having a beam identification value of 5. During an initial signal acquisition process, the UE 105 may receive one or more beam identification values ​​from a base station (e.g., a gNB) in the wireless network. Once the UE 105 receives a beam from a particular base station, the UE may be configured to map the received beam identification value and the cell identification based on a codebook. For example, when the UE 105 receives a second beam 304a with a beam identification value of 2 (i.e., associated with SS block 2), the UE may be configured to reference a codebook (e.g., a data structure) with the beam identification value to determine the angle information associated with the second beam 304a. In an example, the UE may report the beam identification back to a network node, which is configured to determine the angle information based on a codebook (i.e., a codebook stored away from the UE). Typically, there may be a one-to-one mapping between a beam identification value (e.g., an SSB ID) and a spatial angle of a transmit beam. One or more data structures, such as a codebook (e.g., a data table) located on the network node and / or the UE may be used to determine the angular direction of the transmit beam based on the beam identification value.

[0049] refer to Figure 4 , a block diagram of an antenna module in an example mobile device 400 with configurable receive beam steering and receive beam width is shown. The figure includes a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 402, a modem 404, a first antenna module 406a, and a second antenna module 406b. The PMIC 402 is operably coupled to the modem 404 and is configured to control power to the modem 404. The modem 404 may include one or more modems operably coupled to the antenna modules 406a-b and configured to support 5G mobility features (e.g., beam steering). X50 is an example of a modem 404. Modem 404 provides signals and control data to multiple antenna modules. Antenna modules 406a-b may be multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna arrays configured to implement beamforming, beam steering, and beam tracking. For example, the antenna modules may include patch antenna arrays, and modem 404 may be configured to utilize phase shifters and / or hybrid antenna couplers to control power to the antenna array and control the resulting beam pattern. Although Figure 4 Two antenna modules are depicted in FIG, but additional modules may be coupled to the modem 404. The first antenna module 406a is an example of beam steering, such that a single beam of fixed width is steered at different reference angles. The antenna module 406a is configured to scan with different angular sensitivities relative to the antenna array. For example, the antenna module 406a may be configured to sequentially receive signals in a first beam direction 408a, a second beam direction 408b, and a third beam direction 408c. The angular orientation between the beam direction and the reference direction (e.g., orthogonal to the antenna array) may be referred to as an average angle 412. In an example, the angular orientation may be based on a reference system (e.g., true north, magnetic north, etc.). The mobile device 400 may be configured to measure the RSRP / RSRQ of the transmit beam received by each receive beam 408a-c. The average angle 412 and RSRP / RSRQ values ​​of the individual receive beams 408a-c may be used to improve the accuracy of E-CID positioning.

[0050] The second antenna module 406b is an example of a single beam with a controllable beam width. The modem 404 is configured to change the receive beam width. For example, the number of antenna patches can be changed to change the receive beam width. The modem 404 can be configured to, for example, generate a first receive beam 410a, a second receive beam 410b that is wider than the first receive beam 410a, and a third receive beam 410c that is wider than the second receive beam 410b. Figure 4 The uniform beam width and shape depicted in FIG. 4 is an example to illustrate the concept of a varying beam width. Actual beam widths and shapes may vary. The mobile device 400 may be configured to measure the RSRP / RSRQ of the transmit beam for each different beam width value associated with each receive beam 410a-c.

[0051] refer to Figure 5 , further reference Figure 1 , shows a signaling flow 500, which shows that during a location session using LPP and / or NPP (also referred to as an LPP / NPP session) between UE 105 and a positioning server corresponding to LMF 120, in a case such as Figure 1Various messages sent between components of the communication network of the communication system 100 shown. Although the signaling process 500 is discussed, for ease of explanation, with respect to an implementation of a 5G communication network, similar messaging may be implemented for other communication technologies or protocols (e.g., EPS or WLAN). In addition, in some embodiments, the UE 105 itself may be configured to determine its location using, for example, auxiliary data provided to it (e.g., by the LMF 120 or by the serving gNB 110-1). The positioning protocol used for the signaling process 500 may be LPP, NPP, or a combination of LPP and NPP (e.g., wherein the LPP message includes an embedded NPP message). Messages for the positioning protocol are referred to as LPP / NPP messages hereinafter, respectively, to indicate that these messages are for LPP, NPP, or a combination of LPP and NPP. However, other positioning protocols are also possible, such as the LPP extension (LPPe) protocol defined by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA).

[0052] In some embodiments, in action 501, when LMF 120 receives a positioning request for UE 105, a positioning session of UE 105 may be triggered. Depending on the scenario, the positioning request may be received from Figure 1 The AMF 115 shown in FIG. 104 or the GMLC 125 may reach the LMF 120. The LMF 120 may then query the AMF 115 for the information of the UE 105. The AMF 115 may then send the information of the UE 105 to the LMF 120 ( Figure 5 This information may indicate that the UE 105 has 5G (or LTE or eLTE) wireless access (for Figure 5 The AMF 115 may also provide a 5G serving cell for the UE 105 (e.g., a cell supported by the gNB 110-1, which may be the serving gNB for the UE 105), and / or may indicate that the UE 105 supports positioning using LPP and / or NPP. Some or all of this information may have been obtained by the AMF 115 from the UE 105 and / or from the gNB 110-1, for example, when the UE 105 is connected to and registered with the 5GC 140.

[0053] To start an LPP / NPP session (e.g., based on an indication that the UE 105 supports LPP and / or NPP with 5G radio access), the LMF 120 sends an LPP / NPP request capability message to the AMF 115 serving the UE 105 (e.g., using a 5G LCS AP) at action 502. At action 503, the AMF 115 may include the LPP / NPP request capability message in a 5G NAS transport message that is sent to the UE 105 (e.g., via a NAS communication path in the NG-RAN 135, such as Figure 1 ). In action 504, the UE 105 responds to the AMF 115 with an LPP / NPP provision capability message also within a 5G NAS transport message. In action 505, the AMF 115 extracts the LPP / NPP provision capability message from the 5G NAS transport message and relays the LPP / NPP provision capability message to the LMF 120 (e.g., using a 5G LCS AP). Here, the LPP / NPP provision capability message sent in actions 504 and 505 may indicate the positioning capabilities of the UE 105, for example, the positioning methods and associated assistance data supported by the UE 105 when accessing the 5G network (e.g., A-GNSS positioning, OTDOA positioning, E-CID positioning, WLAN positioning, etc.).

[0054] Based on the positioning capabilities of UE 105 received in action 505, and possibly based on the positioning request received in action 501 (e.g., the positioning accuracy requirement included in the positioning request received in action 501), in action 506, LMF 120 may select one or more positioning methods to position UE 105. For example, in action 506, LMF may associate E-CID with a directional synchronization signal (e.g., SS block) sent from gNB 110 and / or from ng-eNB 114.

[0055] Based on the positioning method selected in action 506 and the assistance data indicated as supported by UE 105 in action 505, LMF 120 may determine the assistance data for UE 105 to support the selected positioning method. Then, in action 507, LMF 120 may send an NRPPa information request message, which may be relayed by AMF 115 to serving node gNB 110-1 (at action 508). The NRPPa information request may request location-related information of gNB 110-1, such as the location of gNB 110-1, E-CID configuration parameters of gNB 110-1, and / or information about gNB 110-1 broadcast assistance data. The NRPPa information request sent at actions 507 and 508 may include a request for configuration parameters related to directional SS blocks. In action 509, serving node gNB110-1 responds with an NRPPa information response message, which may be relayed by AMF 115 to LMF 120 in action 510. The NRPPa information response may provide some or all of the location-related information requested in actions 507 and 508. For example, when configuration parameters for E-CID positioning information are requested in actions 507 and 508, the NRPPa information response may provide signal characteristics, beam angles, and other configuration information for each SS block supported by gNB 110-1. LMF 120 may repeat actions 507-510 to obtain additional information from other gNBs 110 and / or ng-eNBs (e.g., gNB 110-2 and ng-eNB 114) that are close to UE 105. Figure 5 (not shown) to obtain location-related information (e.g., configuration parameters of the SS block).

[0056] In some embodiments, at action 511, serving gNB 110-1 and / or other gNBs 110 and ng-eNBs (such as gNB 110-2 and ng-eNB 114) ( Figure 5 Assistance data may be broadcast to UE 105 (and other UEs) and / or may be provided to UE 105 in a point-to-point manner, such as using a radio resource control protocol (RRC) for 5G access ( Figure 5 10). In some embodiments, the broadcast may use a system information block (SIB) for the RRC protocol. The assistance data may include configuration parameters and signal characteristics (e.g., beam identification values ​​and angle data) of SS blocks sent by the transmitting gNB 110 and / or by other nearby gNBs 110 and / or ng-eNB 114. In some embodiments, actions 512 and 513 described next may not occur, for example, if all location-related information may be broadcasted to the UE by gNB 110-1 and / or other gNBs 110 and / or ng-eNB 114.

[0057] LMF 120 may provide assistance data message via LPP / NPP sent to AMF 115 in action 512, send some or all assistance data received in action 510, and other assistance data that may already be known to LMF 120 to UE 105, and in action 513, LPP / NPP provides assistance data message is relayed by AMF 115 to UE 105 in 5G NAS transport message. In the case of E-CID positioning, the assistance data may include the identity of the reference cell and the neighboring cells supported by gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114, and may include information for each cell, such as SS burst and SS block information transmitted within the cell. The assistance data may also include configuration parameters and signal characteristics associated with different directional signals that may be beamformed by the antenna arrays of gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114.

[0058] The NAS transport message sent in action 513 may be followed by an LPP / NPP request location information message sent again from the LMF 120 to the AMF 115 in action 514, which the AMF 115 relays in a 5G NAS transport message to the UE 105 in action 515. The LPP / NPP request location information message may request one or more location measurements and / or a location estimate from the UE 105, for example, based on the positioning method selected in action 506 and / or the positioning capabilities of the UE 105 sent to the LMF 120 in actions 504 and 505. The positioning measurements may, for example, include a request for E-CID measurements such as receive beam ID, average angle per receive beam, RSRP / RSRQ per receive beam ID, receive beam width per beam ID.

[0059] In action 516, the UE 105 may then obtain some or all of the location measurements (and other information) requested in actions 514 and 515. The location measurements may be based in part on directional SS blocks sent by the serving gNB 110-1 and / or other nearby gNBs 110 and / or ng-eNBs 114. For example, the SS blocks may be sent by gNBs 110 and / or ng-eNBs 114 within a reference cell and / or a neighboring cell. The measurements obtained in action 516 may include some or all of the measurements requested in action 515 or implied in action 515 (if action 515 requested a location estimate from the UE 105). The UE 105 may measure directional SS blocks (e.g., for a serving cell or a neighboring cell) based on the configuration parameters and signal characteristics provided for the directional SSB parameters in the location-related information received in action 511 and / or action 513. In the example, the UE 105 determines a measurement quantity for each receive beam. The measurement quantity may include a beam ID for the receive beam and a measurement quantity for each receive beam, such as Figure 4 Thus, for each beam ID (e.g., a directional beam of a transmitting gNB), the UE 105 can be configured to determine the average angle of the receive beam (e.g., the angle between the first, second, and third beams 408a-c), the receive beamwidth per beam ID, and the RSRP / RSRQ per ID.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least some of the location measurements obtained in action 516 are provided in an LPP / NPP Provide Location Information message, which is sent from the UE 105 to the AMF 115 in a 5G NAS transport message in action 517. In action 518, the AMF 115 extracts the LPP / NPP Provide Location Information message from the 5G NAS transport message and relays it to the LMF 120 (e.g., using a 5G LCS AP). Using this information, the LMF 120 can then determine the location of the UE 105 in action 519. For example, when the measurement quantities returned by the UE 105 in actions 517 and 518 include measurement results for one or more directional SS blocks (e.g., beam ID / SSB index, and measurement results of average angle, RSRP, RSRQ, receive beam width), the LMF 120 can identify the directional angle and range corresponding to the measurement quantity. The beam ID can be stored in a codebook together with the corresponding angle data. The average angle, RSRP / RSRQ, and receive beamwidth values ​​may be used to improve angular resolution and range determination between the gNB and the UE 105. After the position determination in action 519, the LMF 120 may send the determined position in action 520 to the entity (e.g., GMLC 125 or AMF 115) that sent the positioning request in action 501.

[0061] In some embodiments, after action 516, UE 105 may determine the location of UE 105 ( Figure 5 114). The location may be determined by UE 105 as just described for action 519. The location determination performed by UE 105 may be based on the location-related information received by UE 105 in action 511 and / or actions 512 and 513, including the previously described location-related information and other information, such as the locations of the antennas of gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114 and any transmission time differences of gNB 110 and / or ng-eNB 114. Then, in actions 517 and 518, UE 105 may return the determined location to LMF 120 instead of returning the location measurement results. In this embodiment, action 519 may not occur.

[0062] refer to Figure 6 , a conceptual diagram illustrating E-CID positioning based on multiple beams transmitted from a base station is shown. A base station such as gNB110-1 is configured to transmit multiple synchronization signal blocks (SS blocks) as multiple transmit beams 602a-d. Figure 6 The beam angles depicted in are examples only. In the example, each beam will cover approximately 30 degrees (e.g., 12 beams cover 360 degrees). The UE 105 detects a first beam identification value associated with the first beam 602a and a second beam identification value associated with the second beam 602b. An angular region 608 is defined as an area between the first beam 602a and the second beam 602b. Detection of the first and second beam identifications associated with the first beam 602a and the second beam 602b, respectively, may be used to determine that the current location of the UE 105 is within (or near) the angular region 608. In the example, the UE 105 or other network node may include a codebook or other data structure to associate the geographic coverage of the transmit beams based on the respective angles of the transmit beams and the location of the gNB 110-1. The UE 105 may also be configured to determine RSRP / RSRQ values ​​associated with the first beam 602a and the second beam 602b. The RSRP / RSRQ values ​​may be used to determine the range between UE 105 and gNB 110-1. Other signal information such as a round trip time (RTT) value may also be used to determine the range. For example, range value 606 may be used in conjunction with angular region 608 to determine the estimated location of UE 105. Figure 6 UE 105 is described as detecting two beams, but it is possible that UE 105 is completely within the area of ​​a single beam, so the angular area can be defined by the coverage of a single beam. In addition, one or more beams from other base stations can be used to improve the position estimate, and other signaling techniques with multiple base stations (e.g., time difference of arrival (TDOA)) can also be used to determine the estimated position of UE 105.

[0063] refer to Fig. 7A , further reference Figure 4 , a conceptual diagram illustrating E-CID positioning based on beam steering using a mobile device is shown. A base station such as gNB 110-1 is configured to transmit multiple synchronization signal blocks (SS blocks) as multiple transmit beams 702a-d. In operation, other base stations (e.g., a second gNB 110-2) may also transmit multiple SS block beams ( Fig. 7A 105 is configured to enable multiple receive beams 710a-c to receive beams transmitted by a base station. In an example, the UE 105 may be configured to use multiple receive beams or steer a single beam at different reference angles to achieve the following: Fig. 7A 10. The UE 105 may be configured to determine a measurement value of each transmit beam (e.g., 702a-d) received by each receive beam (e.g., 710a-c). For example, the UE 105 detects a first beam identification value of a first transmit beam 702a having a first receive beam 710a and a second receive beam 710b. The UE 105 determines a first RSRP / RSRQ value of the first transmit beam 702a based on the first receive beam 710a, and determines a second RSRP / RSRQ value of the first transmit beam 702a based on the second receive beam 710b. The UE 105 may also determine a third RSRP / RSRQ value of the second transmit beam 702b based on the first receive beam 710a, and determine a fourth RSRP / RSRQ value of the first transmit beam 702a based on the second receive beam 710b. The UE 105 may report the RSRP / RSRQ values ​​and the average angle 712 to a network node (eg, via a NAS transport message 517) to determine the UE position, or the UE 105 may be configured to utilize measurements to determine the position.

[0064] In an example, the UE 105 may be configured to determine a 3dB beamwidth for one or more receive beams 710a-c based on RSRP / RSRQ values. For example, the UE 105 may steer the receive beams 710a-c and determine when a measurement value associated with a beam ID (e.g., the second beam 702b) drops by half (e.g., 3dB). The determined beamwidth of the receive beam may be included in the reported measurement quantity. An example algorithm for determining the beamwidth may include determining a first measurement quantity for a first receive beam and a second measurement quantity for a second receive beam. If the second measurement quantity is 50% of the first measurement quantity, the 3dB beamwidth is based on the angle between the first receive beam and the second receive beam.

[0065] refer to Figure 7B , further reference Figure 4, shows a conceptual diagram illustrating E-CID positioning based on configurable receive beamwidth values ​​within a mobile device. Fig. 7A As described above, a base station such as gNB 110-1 is configured to transmit multiple synchronization signal blocks (SS blocks) as multiple transmit beams 702a-d. UE 105 can receive signals from more than one base station ( Figure 7B 4 (not shown) receive beam. Antenna module 406b in UE 105 can be configured to establish receive beam 720a at a fixed average angle and a first beam width. UE 105 is configured to change the number of antennas and / or antenna gain parameters to increase the receive beam width. For example, the receive beam can be increased to a second beam width 720b or a third beam width 720c. Figure 7B The number and size of the beam widths are exemplary only and not limiting, as the physical beam geometry may be defined by a more abstract shape. The UE 105 may measure RSRP / RSRQ for each received transmit beam ID value (e.g., the SSB index of transmit beams 702a, 702b), where each different beam width value is associated with a corresponding beam 720a-c. In an example, the UE 105 may provide each RSRP / RSRQ value measured by each different beam width of each different transmit beam as a measurement quantity to a network node such as a positioning server. In another example, the UE 105 may be configured to estimate the 3dB beam width of the receive beam using the measured RSRP / RSRQ value of each receive beam. That is, the UE 105 may sequentially increase the receive beam width until the RSRP / RSRQ drops by 3dB. An example algorithm for determining the beam width may include determining a first measurement quantity for a first receive beam and a second measurement quantity for a second receive beam. If the second measurement quantity is 50% of the first measurement quantity, then the 3 dB beamwidth is equal to the width of the second receive beam.The UE 105 may report an estimate of the 3 dB receive beamwidth to the network node as the measurement quantity.

[0066] refer to Figure 8 , further reference Figure 1-7B , a method 800 for supporting and facilitating positioning of a mobile device, typically performed at a mobile device, includes the steps shown. However, the method 800 is exemplary and not limiting. The method 800 may be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing various steps simultaneously, and / or dividing a single step into multiple steps. For example, the step 808 of determining the beam width of a receive beam described below is optional and may not be required to determine the position at step 810. Other changes to the method 800 shown and described are also possible.

[0067] At step 802, method 800 includes generating multiple receive beams with a mobile device. The modem 404 and antenna module 406a in UE 105 are examples of components for generating multiple receive beams. The antenna module within UE 105 may include an antenna array (e.g., patch, wire, dipole, etc.), and the modem 404 may be configured to utilize phase shifters and / or hybrid antenna couplers to control the antenna array and control the resulting beam pattern. In an example, UE 105 may generate multiple receive beams at a fixed reference angle. UE 105 may be configured to generate a single receive beam of a fixed width and steer the beam at different reference angles (e.g., Fig. 7A In an example, the UE 105 may generate a single beam with a fixed average angle and increase the receive beamwidth (e.g., Figure 7B 720a-c in the receive beams 720a-c). The initial receive beam parameters can be based on information received from the network node. The UE 105 can receive a broadcast or request message from the base station. In an example, the UE 105 can receive an LPP or NPP message with instructions to obtain one or more measurement quantities (e.g., beam ID, receive beam width, average angle, RSRP, RSRQ measurement results) of directional signals transmitted within a specific cell supported by a specific gNB 110.

[0068] At step 804, method 800 includes receiving a radio beam transmitted from a base station with one or more of a plurality of receive beams, wherein the radio beam includes a beam identification value. The modem 404 and antenna module 406a in UE 105 are examples of components for receiving a radio beam transmitted from a base station. In a 5G NR wireless network, a base station such as a gNB may transmit a synchronization signal. During an initial signal acquisition process, UE 105 may receive one or more radio beams, each radio beam including a beam identification value (e.g., an SSB index). UE 105 may be configured to receive radio beams from other base stations within the communication network. In addition to the SSB index value, each received radio beam may also be identified using cell identification information.

[0069] At step 806, method 800 includes determining a measurement quantity of a radio beam for each of one or more of the plurality of receive beams. UE 105 is an example component for determining the measurement quantity. UE 105 is configured to determine a measurement quantity for each transmitted radio beam received by each receive beam. For example, referring to Fig. 7A, the UE 105 detects a beam identification value of a transmitted radio beam 702a having a first receive beam 710a and a second receive beam 710b. The UE 105 determines a first reference signal received power / reference signal received quality (RSRP / RSRQ) value of the transmit beam 702a based on the first receive beam 710a, and determines a second RSRP / RSRQ value of the transmit beam 702a based on the second receive beam 710b. The UE 105 may also determine an average angle 712 per receive beam as a measurement quantity. For each corresponding receive beam (e.g., 710a-b), the average angle 712 may be measured relative to the orientation of the UE 105. In an example, the average angle 712 may be expressed relative to an external coordinate system (e.g., true north, magnetic north). In an example, the UE 105 may be configured to establish a receive beam with a fixed average angle and a first beam width, and then change the number of antennas and / or antenna gain parameters to increase the receive beam width. The UE 105 may determine RSRP / RSRQ values ​​for each different beamwidth as a measurement of the received radio beam.

[0070] At step 808, method 800 optionally includes determining a beam width of at least one of one or more of the multiple receive beams. UE 105 is an example component for determining beam width. UE 105 may be configured to determine a 3dB beam width of one or more receive beams based on a measurement such as the RSRP / RSRQ value determined at step 806. In an example, UE 105 may manipulate the receive beam to determine when a measurement associated with the radio beam drops by 50%. In another example, UE 105 may establish a receive beam with a fixed average angle and a first beam width, and then change the number of antennas and / or antenna gain parameters to increase the receive beam width. UE 105 may then measure the RSRP / RSRQ value of the radio beam for each different receive beam width to estimate the 3dB beam width of the radio beam. That is, UE 105 may sequentially increase the receive beam width until the RSRP / RSRQ of the radio beam drops by 50%.

[0071] At step 810, method 800 optionally includes determining a location based at least in part on a beam identification value, a measurement of a radio beam for each of one or more of the plurality of receive beams, and a beam width of at least one of the one or more of the plurality of receive beams. UE 105 or a network node such as LMF 120 is an example component for determining a location. The measurement quantities determined at steps 806 and 808 may include measurement results for one or more radio beams (e.g., beam ID / SSB index, and measurement results of average angle, RSRP, RSRQ, and beam width). UE 105 or LMF 120 may identify a directional angle and range corresponding to the measurement quantity. The beam ID may be stored in a codebook along with corresponding angle data for the base station. Average angle, RSRP / RSRQ, and beam width information may be used to improve angular resolution and range determination between the gNB and UE 105.

[0072] refer to Fig. 9 , further reference Figure 1-7B , a method 900 for providing E-CID measurement results to a network node, typically performed at a mobile device, includes the steps shown. However, the method 900 is only an example and not a limitation. The method 900 can be changed, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing various steps simultaneously, and / or dividing a single step into multiple steps. For example, the step 906 of determining the beam width of the receive beam described below may be optional and may not be sent in step 908. Other changes to the method 900 shown and described are also possible.

[0073] At step 902, method 900 includes receiving one or more identification values ​​associated with one or more radio beams transmitted by at least one base station. The modem 404 and antenna module 406a in UE 105 are examples of components for receiving a radio beam including an identification value. In a 5G NR wireless network, a base station such as a gNB can transmit a synchronization signal. During an initial signal acquisition process, UE 105 can receive one or more radio beams, each radio beam including a beam identification value (e.g., an SSB index). UE 105 can be configured to receive radio beams from other base stations within the communication network. In addition to the SSB index value, each received radio beam can also be identified with cell identification information.

[0074] At step 904, the method 900 includes determining a beam identification value and a measurement quantity for at least one of the transmitted radio beams. The UE 105 is an example component for determining a beam identification value and a measurement quantity for the transmitted radio beam. The UE 105 is configured to determine one or more measurement quantities for each transmitted radio beam. In the example, reference Fig. 7A, the UE 105 detects a beam identification value of a transmitted radio beam 702a having a first receive beam 710a and a second receive beam 710b. The UE 105 determines an RSRP / RSRQ value for each of the multiple receive beams. The UE 105 may also determine an average angle based on the relative angles of the receive beams. The UE 105 may also be configured to change the beam width and determine an RSRP / RSRQ value for each different beam width as a measurement quantity of the transmitted radio beam. In an example, the UE 105 may receive an enhanced cell identification measurement initiation request message including a measurement quantity information element that lists a beam ID value, an average angle per receive beam value, a reference signal received power per beam ID value, and a receive beam width per beam ID value.

[0075] At step 906, method 900 optionally includes determining a beamwidth value of at least one receive beam. UE 105 is an example component for determining beamwidth. UE 105 may be configured to determine a 3dB beamwidth of one or more receive beams based on a measurement such as the RSRP / RSRQ value determined at step 904. In an example, UE 105 may manipulate the receive beam to determine when a measurement associated with a transmitted radio beam drops by 3dB. In another example, UE 105 may establish a receive beam with a fixed average angle and a first beamwidth, and then change the number of antennas and / or antenna gain parameters to increase the receive beamwidth. Then, UE 105 may measure the RSRP / RSRQ value of the transmitted radio beam for each different receive beamwidth to estimate the 3dB beamwidth of the radio beam. That is, UE 105 may sequentially increase the receive beamwidth until the RSRP / RSRQ of the radio beam drops by 3dB.

[0076] At step 908, the method 900 includes sending a beam identification value, a measurement amount, and a beam width value. The UE 105 is an example component for sending the measurement amount. In an example, the UE 105 may generate an E-CID measurement result message in an LPP / NPP provide location information message, which is sent from the UE 105 to the AMF 115 in a 5G NAS transport message at the action. The E-CID measurement result message may include a beam result information element, such as a measurement beam ID of the reporting cell, an average angle of the receive beam, RSRP measured per beam, RSRQ measured per beam, and a receive beam width value with a power drop of no more than 3 dB. The AMF 115 may extract the E-CID measurement result from the 5G NAS transport message and relay the result to the LMF 120 (e.g., using a 5G LCS AP). The LMF 120 may be configured to determine the location of the UE 105 based on the beam identification value and the measurement amount. In an example, the beam width value may be used for location calculation.

[0077] refer to Fig.10 , further reference Figure 1-7B , method 1000 is typically performed at one or more network nodes to facilitate positioning of a mobile device, including the steps shown. However, method 1000 is only an example and not a limitation. Method 1000 can be changed, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing various steps simultaneously, and / or dividing a single step into multiple steps. For example, step 1004 described below for receiving the beam width of a receive beam may be optional. Other changes to the method 1000 shown and described are also possible.

[0078] At step 1002, method 1000 includes sending a plurality of directional synchronization signal blocks, wherein each block includes a beam identification value. gNB 110 is a component for sending a plurality of directional synchronization blocks. In a 5G NR wireless network, a base station such as a gNB can send synchronization signals. During an initial signal acquisition process, UE 105 can receive one or more radio beams, each radio beam including a beam identification value (e.g., an SSB index). UE 105 can be configured to receive radio beams from other base stations within the communication network. In addition to the SSB index value, each received radio beam can also be identified with cell identification information.

[0079] At step 1004, the method 1000 includes receiving a measurement result from a mobile device, the measurement result including at least a beam identification value, a receive power value, and a receive beam width value. The gNB 110 is a component that receives the measurement result. In an example, the UE 105 may receive an E-CID measurement initiation request from the LMF 120 via the gNB 110. In response, the UE 105 may generate an E-CID measurement result message including a beam result information element, such as a measurement beam ID of the reporting cell, an average angle of the receive beam, RSRP measured per beam, RSRQ measured per beam, and an optional receive beam width value with a power drop of no more than 3 dB. In an example, the measurement result may include an average angle of the receive beam relative to the orientation or other coordinate system of the mobile device, and the positioning of the mobile device may be based at least in part on the average angle of the receive beam. The E-CID measurement result may be an LPP / NPP Provide Location Information message, which is sent from the UE 105 to the AMF 115 in a 5G NAS transport message at the action location. In an example, receiving the E-CID measurement result may include receiving an enhanced cell identification measurement result message from the mobile device. The enhanced cell identification measurement result message may include a result beam information element that lists a beam ID value, an average angle of the received beam value, a reference signal received power per beam value, and a received beam width value.

[0080] At step 1006, method 1000 includes determining the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the received measurement results. LMF 120 is a component for determining the location of the mobile device. LMF 120 can identify the directional angle and range corresponding to the E-CID measurement result message. For example, the cell ID and beam ID of each SS block on each base station can be stored in a codebook or similar data structure together with the corresponding angle data relative to the base station. Average angle, RSRP / RSRQ and receive beamwidth information can be used to improve angular resolution and range determination between the gNB and UE 105. The location of the mobile device can be sent to the UE 105 or another network node (e.g., GMLC 125 or AMF 115).

[0081] Reference Fig.11 , shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless node 1100, such as a base station, access point, or server, which may be similar to, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 51 and 110-2, ng-eNB 114, LMF 120, components of 5GC 140, and is configured to have functionality similar to those nodes, or other nodes discussed herein (e.g., E-SMLC or SLP). The wireless node 1100 may include at least one communication module 1110a-n, which may be electrically coupled to one or more antennas 1116a-n for communicating with a wireless device (e.g., UE 105). Each of the communication modules 1110a-1110n may include a respective transmitter 1112a-n for transmitting signals (e.g., downlink messages, which may be arranged in frames and may include directional synchronization signals such as described herein), and optionally (e.g., for nodes configured to receive and process uplink communications) a respective receiver 1114a-n. In embodiments where the implemented node includes a transmitter and a receiver, the communication module including the transmitter and the receiver may be referred to as a transceiver. Node 1100 may also include a network interface 1120 to communicate with other network nodes by wired means (e.g., by sending and receiving queries and responses). For example, node 1100 may be configured to communicate with a gateway or other suitable device of the network (e.g., via wired or wireless backhaul communications) to facilitate communication with one or more core network nodes (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 5 Additionally and / or alternatively, communications with other network nodes may also be performed using the communication modules 1110a-n and / or corresponding antennas 1116a-n.

[0082] The node 1100 may also include other components that may be used with the embodiments described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the node 1100 may include at least one processor (also referred to as a controller) 1130 to manage communications with other nodes (e.g., sending and receiving messages), generate communication signals, and provide other related functions (including functions that implement the various processes and methods described herein). Thus, for example, the processor, in combination with other modules / units of the node 1100, may be configured to cause the node 1100, when used as a base station (e.g., gNB 110 or ng-eNB 114), to generate multiple directional synchronization signals (SS blocks) for at least one cell of the base station, each of the multiple directional SS blocks including a beam identification (e.g., an SS block index). Similarly, for example, the processor, in combination with other modules / units of the node 1100, may be configured to cause the node 1110, when used as a device capable of positioning, to obtain E-CID measurement results from a mobile device, and to determine the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the E-CID measurement results and a stored codebook or other data structure.

[0083] The processor 1130 may be coupled to (or otherwise in communication with) the memory 1140, which may include one or more modules (implemented in hardware or software) to facilitate control of the operation of the node 1100. For example, the memory 1140 may include an application module 1146 having computer code for executing various applications required for the operation of the node 1100. For example, the processor 1130 may be configured (e.g., using code provided via the application module 1146 or some other module in the memory 1140) to control the operation of the antennas 1116a-n to adjustably control the antenna's transmit power and phase, gain pattern, antenna direction (e.g., the direction in which the resultant radiated beam from the antennas 1116a-n propagates), antenna diversity, and other adjustable antenna parameters of the antennas 1116a-n of the node 1100. The antennas 1116a-n of the node 1100 collectively constitute the antenna array of the node 1100, and control of the antennas 1116a-n may allow, for example, a directional synchronization signal to be beamformed and transmitted in a particular direction characterized in part by a directional angle and a beam width. In some embodiments, the configuration of the antenna may be controlled according to pre-stored configuration data (e.g., a codebook provided when the node 1100 is manufactured or deployed) or according to data obtained from a remote device (e.g., a central server that sends data representing the antenna configuration and other operating parameters to be used for the node 1100). In some embodiments, the wireless node 1100 may also be configured to perform location data services or other types of services for multiple wireless devices (clients) communicating with the wireless node 1100 (or communicating with a server coupled to the wireless node 1100), and provide location data and / or assistance data to such multiple wireless devices.

[0084] In addition, in some embodiments, the memory 1140 may also include a neighbor relationship controller (e.g., a neighbor discovery module) 1142 to manage neighbor relationships (e.g., maintain a neighbor list 1144) and provide other related functions. In some embodiments, the node 1110 may also include one or more sensors (not shown) and other devices (e.g., cameras).

[0085] refer to Fig.12 , shows a user equipment (UE) 1200 that can utilize various processes and techniques described herein. In implementation and / or functionality, UE 1200 can be similar or identical to any other UE described herein, including Figure 1 , UE 105 described in 3-7B. In addition, Fig.12The embodiments shown in the embodiment may also be at least partially used to implement some nodes and devices shown in the present disclosure, including nodes and devices such as base stations (e.g., gNB 110, ng-eNB 114, eNB, etc.), positioning servers (e.g., LMF 120), and Figure 1-7B Other components and devices as shown and described.

[0086] UE 1200 includes a processor 1211 (or processor core) and a memory 1240. As described herein, UE 1200 is configured to detect and process a directional synchronization signal (SS block). UE 1200 may optionally include a trusted environment operably connected to memory 1240 via a public bus 1201 or a dedicated bus (not shown). UE 1200 may also include a communication interface 1220 and a wireless transceiver 1221, which is configured to communicate over a wireless network (e.g., Figure 1 The wireless transceiver 1221 may include: Figure 4 The modem 404 and antenna modules 406a-b are shown. The wireless transceiver 1221 is connected to the bus 1201 via the communication interface 1220. Here, the UE 1200 is shown as having a single wireless transceiver 1221. However, the UE 1200 may alternatively have multiple wireless transceivers 1221 and / or multiple wireless antennas 1222 to support multiple communication standards, such as WiFi, CDMA, Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, NR, Short-range wireless communication technology, etc.

[0087] The communication interface 1220 and / or the wireless transceiver 1221 may support operations on multiple carriers (waveform signals of different frequencies). A multi-carrier transmitter may simultaneously transmit modulated signals on multiple carriers. Each modulated signal may be a code division multiple access (CDMA) signal, a time division multiple access (TDMA) signal, an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) signal, a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) signal, etc. Each modulated signal may be transmitted on a different carrier and may carry pilots, control information, overhead information, data, etc.

[0088] UE 1200 may also include a user interface 1250 (e.g., a display, a keyboard, a touch screen, a graphical user interface (GUI)) and a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver 1255, which receives SPS signals 1259 (e.g., from SPS satellites) via an SPS antenna 1258 (which may be the same antenna as the wireless antenna 1222 or may be a different antenna). The SPS receiver 1255 may communicate with a single global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or multiple such systems. GNSS may include, but is not limited to, a global positioning system (GPS), Galileo, GLONASS, Compass, etc. SPS satellites are also referred to as satellites, spacecraft (SV), etc. The SPS receiver 1255 measures the SPS signals 1259, and the measurement results of the SPS signals 1259 may be used to determine the location of the UE 1200. The processor 1211, the memory 1240, the digital signal processor (DSP) 1212 and / or a dedicated processor (not shown) may also be used to process the SPS signal 1259 in whole or in part, and / or calculate (approximately or more accurately) the position of the UE 1200 in conjunction with the SPS receiver 1255. Alternatively, the UE 1200 may support transmitting the SPS measurement results to a positioning server (e.g., E-SMLC, LMF, e.g., Figure 1 LMF 120, etc.) A memory 1240 or register (not shown) is used to store information from the SPS signal 1259 or other position signal. Fig.12 Only one processor 1211, one DSP 1212, and one memory 1240 are shown in the UE 1200, but the UE 1200 may use any one, a pair, or more than one of all of these components. The processor 1211 and the DSP 1212 associated with the UE 1200 are connected to the bus 1201.

[0089] The memory 1240 may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (or multiple media) that stores functions as one or more instructions or codes. The media that may constitute the memory 1240 include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, flash memory, disk drives, and the like. Typically, the functions stored by the memory 1240 are executed by a general-purpose processor (e.g., processor 1211), a dedicated processor (e.g., DSP 1212), and the like. Therefore, the memory 1240 is a processor-readable memory and / or a computer-readable memory that stores software (programming code, instructions, and the like) configured to cause the processor 1211 and / or the DSP 1212 to perform the functions. Alternatively, one or more functions of the UE 1200 may be executed in whole or in part in hardware.

[0090] UE 1200 may use various techniques to estimate its current location within the relevant system based on other communicating entities within the view and / or information available to UE 1200. For example, UE 1200 may use information from base stations (e.g., gNBs, ng-eNBs), access points (APs) associated with one or more wireless local area networks (WLANs), short-range wireless communication technologies (e.g., Wireless technology or The positioning server may estimate its position based on information obtained from a personal area network (PAN) of a wireless communications network (e.g., a WLAN AP), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), or other satellite positioning system (SPS) satellite and / or map data obtained from a map server or other server (e.g., an LMF, an E-SMLC, or an SLP). In an embodiment, the positioning server may be an E-SMLC, an SLP, an independent service mobile positioning center (SAS), or an LMF, etc., and may provide assistance data to the UE 1200 to allow or assist the UE 1200 in acquiring signals (e.g., signals from a WLAN AP, signals from a cellular base station (including directional SS signals), a GNSS satellite, etc.), provide the UE 1200 with transmitter and / or transceiver (e.g., base station, access point, beacon, and computing device) positions (and, in an embodiment, orientation) and associated beam information (beam ID, orientation (absolute or relative to the transmitter orientation), strength, timing, etc.), and enable the UE 1200 to obtain signals (e.g., signals from a WLAN AP, signals from a cellular base station (including directional SS signals), a GNSS satellite, etc.), and provide the UE 1200 with transmitter and / or transceiver (e.g., base station, access point, beacon, and computing device) positions (and, in an embodiment, orientation) and associated beam information (beam ID, orientation (absolute or relative to the transmitter orientation), strength, timing, etc.), and enable the UE 1200 to obtain signals (e.g., signals from a WLAN AP, signals from a cellular base station (including directional SS signals), a GNSS satellite, etc.). 1200 is capable of determining distance and / or pseudorange and / or relative position and / or orientation based on location-related measurements (e.g., time-related measurements (e.g., TOA, OTDOA, RTT, FTM, etc.) and / or signal strength-related measurements (e.g., RSSI) and / or other beam-related information using these signals), and using the location of the transmitter / transceiver and, in an embodiment, using the orientation of the transmitter and / or transceiver and signal measurements of the signals from the transmitter and / or transceiver to calculate the location. For example, information about one or more receive beams and transmit beams can be used to determine the orientation of the device relative to a given transmitter (e.g., based on which receive beam(s) and transmit beam(s) are used relative to the orientation of the transmitter), the distance from the transmitter (e.g., using signal strength or time information), so that the position and orientation of UE 1200 can be determined using one or more beams from one or more transmitters. The locations and other parameters of base stations and access points associated with the WLAN (e.g., time information, signal strength, base station ID and / or AP MAC address, base station position (compass position or relative position with respect to surrounding geographic or map features)) can be maintained in a codebook or similar base station almanac, which can be stored on the UE 1200 and / or as part of a larger base station database, which can be stored remotely on a positioning server. In an embodiment, beam identification values ​​(e.g., SSB ID) and related angle and position information associated with the beam and signal information (e.g., RSS), as well as, in an embodiment, transmitter information as described above, can be provided by the positioning server and / or can be provided by the transmitting device in a signal transmission, such as as a pilot message or as a message embedded in a beam.In an embodiment, the base station almanac may include a beam identification value (e.g., SSB ID) and related angle and position information and signal information (e.g., RSS) associated with the beam, and the information may be updated based on information sent from the corresponding base station and / or access point or other transmitter or based on information from a positioning server. In an embodiment, the beam identification value (e.g., SSB ID) and related angle and position information and signal information (e.g., RSS) associated with the beam may be transient and may be received, for example, from each corresponding transmitter / transceiver or from a positioning server and used to determine device location without updating the base station almanac information. In an embodiment, the base station almanac may include beam information associated with neighboring base stations and access points. In an embodiment, the transmitter information and / or associated beam information may be retained in the base station almanac or other storage such that the base station almanac also contains transmitter and / or beam information for transmitters / transceivers that are no longer in view, so that the information may be used for later positioning (e.g., transmitter position and transmitter orientation and other non-transient features may be suitable for future position determination actions). In an embodiment, beam and / or transmitter information may be obtained from both the base station almanac and the transceiver / transmitter and / or from a positioning server, such that non-transient aspects of the beam associated with any given transmitter / transceiver, if any, are stored in the base station almanac, while transient aspects such as the angle and / or transmit signal strength associated with a particular beam ID at any given time are provided by the transmitter / transceiver or positioning server to the UE 1200. The UE 1200 may provide measurement information about one or more base stations and / or APs to the positioning server to calculate a position estimate (which may be referred to as "UE-assisted" positioning), or may calculate a position estimate itself (which may be referred to as "UE-based" positioning) based on the measurement results and base station almanac / codebook data provided by the positioning server (e.g., orbit and time data for GNSS satellites, configuration parameters for directional PRS signals, precise position coordinates of WLAN APs and / or cellular base stations for OTDOA, AOD and / or E-CID positioning, SSB IDs with angle data, SSB ID / RSS position estimates, etc.).

[0091] In an embodiment, the positioning server may obtain additional beam information, such as angle and signal strength or signal transmission time relative to the measurement time, from the UE 1200 and / or from the corresponding transmitter / transceiver that transmits the corresponding beam being measured. In an embodiment, based on the communication requirements of the client device, the transceiver / transmitter beam configuration may be variable in number, ID and angle; in an embodiment, especially when the beam configuration is instantaneous, the transceiver / transmitter ID, beam ID and beam configuration may be communicated to the mobile device as part of the message transmission in each beam or pilot. In an embodiment, the beam configuration may be standardized so that a specific beam ID of any given transmitter corresponds to a specific beam configuration, such as a specific transmission orientation of the transmitter / transceiver relative to a specific beam. In an embodiment, the beam ID may include an identification symbol code or code. In an embodiment, the beam ID may include configuration information, such as the orientation angle of the beam relative to the corresponding transmitter / transceiver.

[0092] In an embodiment, the UE 1200 may determine its position and orientation based on the above components, including, in an embodiment, sensor measurements, such as accelerometer, magnetometer, camera and / or gyroscope measurements, to determine or enhance orientation measurements. In an embodiment, the UE 1200 may utilize the determined position and orientation in combination with beam information (e.g., transceiver / transmitter ID, beam ID, beam transmit angle / orientation relative to the transceiver / transmitter) and measurements (e.g., distance-related measurements, receive beam information, and receive angle-related measurements) from the transceiver / transmitter to determine or enhance the accuracy of the position and / or orientation associated with the transceiver / transmitter. In an embodiment, the UE 1200 may store this information, for example, for position determination or for enhancing a base station almanac on the UE 1200 or for enhancing a base station / transceiver / transmitter database on a positioning server. In an embodiment, the UE 1200 may forward the stored measurements and associated transceiver information to a group source server and / or a positioning server for updating, improving the accuracy of, and / or adding to the information stored in the base station database on the group source server and / or the positioning server. In an embodiment, the UE 1200 may send the stored measurements when requesting base station almanac information or other assistance. In an embodiment, the UE 1200 may send the stored measurements when connected to a WiFi system, or, for example, periodically (e.g., every night or every week), or, for example, when connected to a charger, or, for example, when connected to a system without per-unit data charges, or under other specific conditions. In an embodiment, the upload conditions may be configurable, for example, using a menu input or other configuration input received at the UE 1200.

[0093] In one embodiment, the UE 1200 may include a camera 1230 (e.g., front and / or rear), such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor with an appropriate lens configuration. Other imaging technologies may be used, such as a charge coupled device (CCD) and back-illuminated CMOS. The camera 1230 may be configured to acquire and provide image information to help locate the UE 1200. In an example, one or more external image processing servers (e.g., remote servers) may be used to perform image recognition and provide position estimation processing. The UE 1200 may include other sensors 1235, which may also be used to calculate or to help calculate the position of the UE 1200. The other sensors 1235 may include inertial sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, compasses, any of which may be implemented based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) or based on some other technology), as well as barometers, thermometers, hygrometers, and other sensors. In an example, the compass may be used to determine the average angle of the received beam.

[0094] As described above, in some embodiments, UE 1200 can be configured to generate multiple receive beams using a mobile device; receive a radio beam sent from a base station using one or more of the multiple receive beams, wherein the radio beam includes a beam identification value; determine a measurement quantity of the radio beam for each of the one or more receive beams; determine a beam width of each of the one or more receive beams; and determine a position based at least in part on the beam identification value, the measurement quantity of the radio beam for each of the one or more of the multiple receive beams, and the beam width of the radio beam.

[0095] Substantial changes may be made depending on specific requirements. For example, customized hardware may also be used, and / or specific elements may be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software, such as applets, etc.), or both. In addition, connections to other computing devices such as network input / output devices may be used.

[0096] Configurations may be described as processes shown in flowcharts or block diagrams. Although operations are described as sequential processes, many operations may be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the figure. In addition, examples of methods may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, program code or code segments that perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a storage medium. A processor may perform the described tasks.

[0097] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles "a", "an" refer to one or more than one (i.e., at least one) grammatical object of the article. For example, "an element" means one element or more than one element. "About" and / or "approximately" used herein are used to refer to measurable values, such as quantity, duration, etc., including changes of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, because such changes are suitable in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other embodiments described herein. "Substantially" used herein is used to refer to measurable values, such as quantity, duration, physical properties (e.g., frequency), etc., also including changes of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, because such changes are suitable in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other embodiments described herein.

[0098] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" when used in a list beginning with "at least one" or "one or more" means a disjunctive list, for example, a list of "at least one of A, B, or C" means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C), or a combination of more than one feature (e.g., AA, AAB, ABBC, etc.). In addition, as used herein, unless otherwise specified, a statement that a function or operation is "based on" a certain thing or condition means that the function or operation is based on the said thing or condition, and may be based on one or more things and / or conditions other than the said thing or condition.

[0099] As used herein, a mobile device or station (MS) refers to a device such as a cellular or other wireless communication device, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal communication system (PCS) device, a personal navigation device (PND), a personal information manager (PIM), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, or other suitable mobile devices capable of receiving wireless communication and / or navigation signals (e.g., navigation positioning signals). The term "mobile station" (or "mobile device" or "wireless device") is also intended to include devices that communicate with a personal navigation device (PND), such as through short-range wireless, infrared, wired connection or other connection, regardless of whether satellite signal reception, auxiliary data reception and / or location-related processing occurs at the device or the PND. In addition, "mobile station" is intended to include all devices that can communicate with a server, such as via the Internet, WiFi or other networks, including wireless communication devices, computers, laptops, tablet devices, etc., and can communicate with one or more types of nodes, regardless of whether satellite signal reception, auxiliary data reception and / or location-related processing occurs at the device, at the server, or at another device or node associated with the network. Any operable combination of the above is also considered a "mobile station". The mobile device may also be referred to as a mobile terminal, terminal, user equipment (UE), device, terminal supporting secure user plane location (SET), target device, target or other names.

[0100] Although some techniques, processes, and / or implementations presented herein may conform to all or part of one or more standards, in some embodiments, these techniques, processes, and / or implementations may not conform to some or all of the one or more standards.

[0101] Although specific embodiments are disclosed in detail herein, this is done by way of example only for the purpose of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. In particular, it is contemplated that various substitutions, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Other aspects, advantages and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the following claims. The claims presented are representative of the embodiments and features disclosed herein. Other embodiments and features not claimed are also contemplated. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining a location of a mobile device, comprising: generating a plurality of receive beams using the mobile device; receiving a radio beam transmitted from a base station using one or more of the plurality of receive beams, wherein the radio beam includes a beam identification value; determining, for each of one or more of the plurality of receive beams, a measurement quantity of the radio beam; as well as The location is determined based at least in part on the beam identification value and the measurements of the radio beam for each of one or more of the plurality of receive beams.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the location comprises providing the beam identification value and the measurement quantity of the radio beam for each of one or more of the plurality of receive beams to a positioning server and receiving the location from the positioning server.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining a beamwidth of at least one of one or more of the plurality of receive beams; as well as The position is determined based at least in part on the beamwidth.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein determining the beamwidth comprises determining a first measurement quantity of a first receive beam and a second measurement quantity of a second receive beam, wherein the second measurement quantity is 50% of the first measurement quantity and the beamwidth is equal to a width of the second receive beam.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein determining the beamwidth comprises determining a first measurement quantity of a first receive beam and a second measurement quantity of a second receive beam, wherein the second measurement quantity is 50% of the first measurement quantity, and the beamwidth is based on an angle between the first receive beam and the second receive beam. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the measurement quantity is a reference signal received power value or a reference signal received quality value.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the measurement quantity is an average angle of at least one of the one or more of the plurality of receive beams relative to an orientation of the mobile device or relative to a coordinate system.

8. A mobile device, comprising: One or more modem and antenna modules configured to: generating a plurality of receive beams using the mobile device; receiving a radio beam transmitted from a base station using one or more of the plurality of receive beams, wherein the radio beam includes a beam identification value; as well as At least one processor configured to determine a measurement quantity of the radio beam for each of one or more of the plurality of receive beams and to determine a position based at least in part on the beam identification value and the measurement quantity of the radio beam for each of one or more of the plurality of receive beams.

9. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine the location by providing the beam identification value and the measurement quantity of the radio beam for each of one or more of the plurality of receive beams to a positioning server, and to receive the location from the positioning server.

10. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: determining a beamwidth of at least one of one or more of the plurality of receive beams; and The position is determined based at least in part on the beamwidth.

11. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine the beamwidth by determining a first measurement quantity of a first receive beam and a second measurement quantity of a second receive beam, wherein the second measurement quantity is 50% of the first measurement quantity and the beamwidth is equal to a width of the second receive beam.

12. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine the beam width by determining a first measurement quantity of a first receive beam and a second measurement quantity of a second receive beam, wherein the second measurement quantity is 50% of the first measurement quantity, and the beam width is based on an angle between the first receive beam and the second receive beam. 13 . The mobile device according to claim 8 , wherein the measurement quantity is a reference signal received power value or a reference signal received quality value.

14. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the measurement quantity is an average angle of at least one of the one or more of the plurality of receive beams relative to an orientation of the mobile device or relative to a coordinate system.

15. A method for determining a location of a mobile device, comprising: receiving a measurement result measured by the mobile device, the measurement result comprising at least a beam identification value and a received power value associated with a directional synchronization signal block received by one or more receive beams generated by the mobile device; as well as The location of the mobile device is determined based at least in part on the measurements and the beam identification value.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the measurements include a receive beamwidth value based on the one or more receive beams, and the determining the location of the mobile device is based at least in part on the receive beamwidth value.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the measurement results include a reference signal received power value, and the determining the location of the mobile device is based at least in part on the reference signal received power value.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the measurement results include a reference signal reception quality value, and the determining the location of the mobile device is based at least in part on the reference signal reception quality value.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the measurements include an average angle of a receive beam relative to a coordinate system, and the determining the position of the mobile device is based at least in part on the average angle of the receive beam.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing an enhanced cell identification measurement initiation request message to the mobile device, wherein the enhanced cell identification measurement initiation request message comprises a measurement quantity information element, the measurement quantity information element listing a beam ID value, an average angle per received beam value, a reference signal received power per beam ID value, and a beam width per beam ID value.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein receiving the measurement result from the mobile device comprises receiving an enhanced cell identification measurement result message from the mobile device, wherein the enhanced cell identification measurement result message comprises a result beam information element based on the one or more receive beams, the result beam information element listing a beam ID value, an average angle of a receive beam value, a reference signal receive power for each beam value, and a receive beam width value.

22. A system for determining a location of a mobile device, comprising: At least one communication module is configured to: receiving a measurement result measured by the mobile device, the measurement result comprising at least a beam identification value and a received power value associated with a directional synchronization signal block received by one or more receive beams generated by the mobile device; as well as At least one processor configured to: The location of the mobile device is determined based at least in part on the measurements and the beam identification value.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the measurements include a receive beamwidth value based on the one or more receive beams, and the at least one processor is configured to determine the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the receive beamwidth value.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the measurements include a reference signal received power value, and the at least one processor is configured to determine the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the reference signal received power value.

25. The system of claim 22, wherein the measurements include a reference signal reception quality value, and the at least one processor is configured to determine the location of the mobile device based at least in part on the reference signal reception quality value.

26. The system of claim 22, wherein the measurements include an average angle of a receive beam relative to a coordinate system, and the at least one processor is configured to determine the position of the mobile device based at least in part on the average angle of the receive beam.

27. The system of claim 22, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to provide an enhanced cell identification measurement initiation request message to the mobile device, wherein the enhanced cell identification measurement initiation request message comprises a measurement quantity information element, the measurement quantity information element listing a beam ID value, an average angle per received beam value, a reference signal received power per beam ID value, and a beam width per beam ID value.

28. A system according to claim 22, wherein receiving the measurement result from the mobile device includes receiving an enhanced cell identification measurement result message from the mobile device, wherein the enhanced cell identification measurement result message includes a result beam information element based on the one or more receive beams, and the result beam information element lists a beam ID value, an average angle of the receive beam value, a reference signal received power per beam value, and a receive beam width value.

29. A computer readable medium storing code for determining a location of a mobile device, the code comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-7.

30. A computer readable medium storing code for determining a location of a mobile device, the code comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 15-21.

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