System and method for signal detection at asynchronous devices and devices without a time frame structure

Abstract

A method for determining the timing of an uplink signal, comprising: receiving timing information associated with the uplink signal and a parameter set of the uplink signal, wherein the timing information is used to determine a reference time of the uplink signal received from a user equipment (UE) (215); receiving the uplink signal from the UE (215), wherein the receiving is based on the parameter set and the timing information of the uplink signal; and measuring the uplink relative arrival time based on the received uplink signal and the reference time of the uplink signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for digital communications and, in particular embodiments, to systems and methods for signal detection at asynchronous devices and devices without a time frame structure. Background Art

[0002] Location-based services have become important in modern communication systems. Knowing the location of a communication device such as a user equipment (UE), also commonly referred to as positioning, can be used in providing services, including emergency services, location-based sales or marketing, etc. The location of the communication device can also be used in the selection of access nodes, handover targets, etc.

[0003] A common technique used in determining the location of a communication device includes the communication device sending a signal that is received and measured at a plurality of measurement devices. The measurement results from each of the plurality of measurement devices are provided to an entity in a core network, which determines the location of the communication device based on the measurement results. The measurement device must know the timing of the serving access node of the communication device in order for the technique to work. However, some measurement devices in modern communication systems are asynchronous in nature, or they have a timing structure but are not synchronized with the serving access node. Therefore, there is a need for a system and method for providing a timing reference at asynchronous devices and devices that do not have a time frame structure. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, a method for determining the timing of an uplink signal is provided. The method comprises: receiving, by a measuring device, timing information associated with the uplink signal and a parameter set of the uplink signal, wherein the timing information is used to determine a reference time of the uplink signal received from a user equipment (UE); receiving, by the measuring device, the uplink signal from the UE, wherein the receiving is based on the parameter set and the timing information of the uplink signal; and measuring, by the measuring device, an uplink relative time of arrival (UL RTOA) based on the received uplink signal and the reference time of the uplink signal.

[0005] In a first implementation form of the method according to the first aspect itself, wherein the reference time of the uplink signal is a configured time indicating the start of a time slot containing the uplink signal.

[0006] In a second implementation form of the method according to the first aspect itself or any of the preceding implementation forms of the first aspect, the measured UL RTOA is the difference between a reference time of the uplink signal and the time of the start of a time slot containing the received uplink signal.

[0007] In a third implementation form of the method according to the first aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, wherein the timing information includes a reference time of the uplink signal, a time slot number of the time slot containing the uplink signal, and a radio frame number of the radio frame containing the time slot.

[0008] In a fourth implementation form of the method according to the first aspect itself or any of the preceding implementation forms of the first aspect, wherein the timing information comprises a radio frame initialization time indicating a time of the start of radio frame zero.

[0009] In a fifth implementation form of the method according to the first aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, the reference time of the uplink signal is determined based on at least one of the timing information, the parameter set of the uplink signal, or the uplink signal configuration at the measuring device.

[0010] In a sixth implementation form of the method according to the first aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, it also includes adjusting, by the measuring device, a reference time of the uplink signal.

[0011] In a seventh implementation form of the method according to the first aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, adjusting the reference time of the uplink signal includes: receiving, by a measuring device, a timing advance (TA) associated with the UE, and subtracting, by the measuring device, TA from the reference time of the uplink signal.

[0012] In an eighth implementation form of the method according to the first aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the first aspect, the reference time of the uplink signal is a configured time indicating the start of a time slot containing the uplink signal with respect to a configurable reference time minus a timing advance.

[0013] According to a second aspect, a method for determining the timing of an uplink signal is provided. The method comprises: a measurement device sends a synchronization signal block (SSB) including a timing configuration of the measurement device; the measurement device receives an uplink signal according to the timing configuration of the measurement device from a UE; and the measurement device measures UL RTOA according to the received uplink signal and a reference time of the uplink signal.

[0014] In a first implementation form of the method according to the second aspect itself, wherein the reference time of the uplink signal is the time of the start of radio frame i at the measuring device, wherein i is a non-negative integer value, and wherein the measured UL RTOA is the difference between the reference time of the uplink signal and the following time: the time is the time of the start of radio frame i calculated at the measuring device based on the received uplink signal.

[0015] In a second implementation form of the method according to the second aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the second aspect, wherein the reference time of the uplink signal is the time of the start of the time slot containing the uplink signal in the radio frame j at the measuring device, wherein j is a non-negative integer value, and wherein the measured UL RTOA is the difference between the reference time of the uplink signal and the following time: the time is the time of the start of the time slot containing the uplink signal in the radio frame j calculated at the measuring device based on the received uplink signal.

[0016] In a third implementation form of the method according to the second aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the second aspect, it also includes adjusting the measured UL RTOA by the measuring device.

[0017] In a fourth implementation form of the method according to the second aspect itself or any of the preceding implementation forms of the second aspect, wherein adjusting the measured UL RTOA includes adding, by the measuring device, a TA associated with the UE to the measured UL RTOA.

[0018] According to a third aspect, a method of a UE is provided. The method includes: determining, by the UE, timing information associated with a measurement device; and sending, by the UE, an uplink signal to the measurement device according to the timing information.

[0019] In a first implementation form of the method according to the third aspect itself, determining the timing information includes detecting, by the UE, an SSB associated with the measuring device, and determining, by the UE, a radio frame number and a radio frame boundary associated with the measuring device based on a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) of the SSB and content of the SSB.

[0020] In the second implementation form of the method according to the third aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the third aspect, the SSB is detected based on at least one of the configuration information of the SSB frequency associated with the measuring device, the parameter set of the SSB, the information of the measurement window of the SSB, or the identifier of the measuring device.

[0021] In a third implementation form of the method according to the third aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the third aspect, the information of the measurement window includes at least one of a period of the measurement window, an offset of the measurement window, or a duration of the measurement window.

[0022] In a fourth implementation form of the method according to the third aspect itself or any of the preceding implementation forms of the third aspect, the SSB is detected based on information included in a radio resource control (RRC) information element.

[0023] In a fifth implementation form of the method according to the third aspect itself or any of the foregoing implementation forms of the third aspect, it also includes obtaining, by the UE, a TA for transmission to the measuring device.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect, a measuring device is provided. The measuring device comprises a non-transitory memory storage device containing instructions, and one or more processors in communication with the memory storage device. The one or more processors execute the instructions to implement the method according to any one of the implementation forms of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect, a UE is provided. The UE comprises a non-transitory memory storage device containing instructions, and one or more processors in communication with the memory storage device. The one or more processors execute the instructions to implement the method according to any implementation form of the third aspect.

[0026] An advantage of the preferred embodiment is that a system and method for determining a timing reference for uplink reference signal detection at an asynchronous measurement device and a measurement device without a time frame structure is provided. The system and method enables the measurement device to detect reference signals using sequence hopping, group hopping or frequency hopping.

[0027] Another advantage of the preferred embodiment is that a reference signal transmission based on the timing of an asynchronous measuring device is achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 An example communication system is shown;

[0030] Figure 2A A communication system is shown highlighting position determination of a communication device using an RTOA approach;

[0031] Figure 2B A diagram showing an example determination of RTOA;

[0032] Figure 3 shows a sequence of radio frames highlighting the UL RTOA reference time providing a reference time for an SRS timeslot;

[0033] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C It is shown that the radio frame boundaries are determined according to the SRS slot boundaries;

[0034] Figure 5 A sequence of radio frames highlighting positive UL RTOA is shown;

[0035] Figure 6 A sequence of radio frames highlighting negative UL RTOA is shown;

[0036] Figure 7 shows a sequence of radio frames highlighting SFN initialization time as reference time according to example embodiments presented herein;

[0037] Figure 8 shows a sequence of radio frames highlighting TA considerations in determining UL RTOA reference time according to example embodiments presented herein;

[0038] Fig. 9 A flow chart illustrating example operations occurring when an MD detects and receives a signal (e.g., SRS) transmitted by a UE and measures the signal to determine UL RTOA according to example implementations presented herein;

[0039] Fig. 10A A flow chart illustrating example operations occurring when a UE transmits a signal (eg, SRS) in the case where the signal is transmitted at the timing of an MD according to example implementations presented herein;

[0040] Fig. 10B A flow chart illustrating example operations occurring when an MD detects and receives a signal (e.g., SRS) transmitted by a UE and measures the signal to determine UL RTOA when the signal is transmitted at the timing of the MD according to example embodiments presented herein;

[0041] Fig.11 An exemplary communication system according to example implementations presented herein is shown;

[0042] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B shows example devices in which the methods and teachings according to the present disclosure may be implemented; and

[0043] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a computing system that can be used to implement the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The formation and use of the disclosed embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure provides many applicable concepts that can be implemented in a variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed only illustrate specific ways to form and use the embodiments, and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 1 An example communication system 100 is shown. The communication system 100 includes an access node 105 serving a user equipment (UE) 115. In a first mode of operation, communications to and from the UE 115 pass through the access node 105. In a second mode of operation, communications to and from the UE 115 do not pass through the access node 105, however, the access node 105 generally allocates resources used by the UE 115 for communications. Access nodes may also be generally referred to as Node B, evolved NodeB (eNB), next generation (NG) Node B (gNB), master eNB (MeNB), secondary eNB (SeNB), master gNB (MgNB), secondary gNB (SgNB), network controller, control node, base station, access point, transmission point (TP), transmission-reception point (TRP), cell, carrier, macro cell, femto cell, pico cell, etc., and UE may also be generally referred to as mobile station, mobile device, terminal, user, subscriber, station, etc. The access node may provide wireless access according to one or more wireless communication protocols, such as 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), LTE advanced (LTE-A), 5G, 5G NR, High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ad / ax / ay, etc. Although it should be understood that the communication system may employ multiple access nodes capable of communicating with multiple UEs, for simplicity, only one access node and five UEs are shown.

[0046] Figure 2AA communication system 200 is shown, which highlights the position determination of a communication device using a relative time of arrival (RTOA) method. The communication system 200 includes a measuring device (MD), including a first MD 205, a second MD 207, and a third MD 209. The communication system 200 also includes a UE 215, and the position of the UE 215 is to be determined using the RTOA method. Based on the measurement results of the signal transmitted by UE 215 (e.g., reference signals such as sounding reference signal (SRS) or demodulation reference signal (DMRS), or signals transmitted on physical channels such as physical random access channel (PRACH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) or physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)), the MD performs RTOA measurements, including: RTOA at the first MD 205, RTOA at the second MD 207, and RTOA at the third MD 209. Each measured RTOA is relative to a reference time that can be configured. The reference time can be common among all MDs, or can be specific to each MD. The measurement results performed by the MD are reported to a measurement center (MC) 220. MC 220 determines the location of UE 215 based on the measurement results reported by the MD. UE 215 and other similar devices that transmit signals can be referred to as measurement targets (MTs).

[0047] Various network nodes can be configured as MDs. In general, the MD measures applicable signals sent by the UE and reports the measurements to the MC. In the context of location or positioning applications, there may be two types of MDs in modern communication systems (e.g., in LTE and NR): MDs without a timing structure (referred to herein as type 1 nodes for simplicity) and MDs with a timing structure (referred to herein as type 2 nodes for simplicity).

[0048] An example of an MD without a timing structure includes a location measurement unit (LMU) in LTE. An LTE LMU only receives and measures signals. An LTE LMU is different from a typical access node or eNB that sends and receives data and control channels to and from a UE. Therefore, an LTE LMU does not operate according to the frame structure of a radio access network (RAN) node (e.g., an eNB, gNB, cell, or any other type of access node).

[0049] Examples of MDs with a timing structure (which may include a system frame number (SFN) and frame boundaries) include eNBs, gNBs, or any other type of access node. A radio frame may also be referred to as a system frame. MDs with a timing structure may also be classified into additional types, including MDs with consistent timing structures (referred to herein as type 2S nodes for brevity) and MDs with inconsistent timing structures (referred to herein as type 2A nodes for brevity). As used herein, the consistent or inconsistent classification is relative to the serving access node of the UE whose position is being determined.

[0050] Future LMU implementations in NR may be MD with or without timing structure.

[0051] MC can be an entity in the core network of the communication system, whose task is to receive measurement results from MD and use the measurement results to determine the location of UE. Alternatively, MC can be a logical or physical part of a RAN node (such as eNB, gNB or any other type of access node), where the access node can be MD. In LTE, MC is called evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC), while in NR, MC can be called location measurement function (LMF) or another name. In the following, for the sake of brevity, NR MC is referred to as LMF. A communication system can have one or more MCs.

[0052] Figure 2BA diagram 250 of an example determination of RTOA is shown. A first subframe sequence 255 represents the nominal times of a plurality of subframes 257 and 259. Subframe 259 includes SRS resource 261. A second subframe sequence 265 represents the actual times of the plurality of subframes 267 and 269 when these subframes are received at the MD. SRS resource 271 represents SRS resource 261 when SRS resource 261 is received at the MD. RTOA reference time 275 corresponds to the start of subframe 259. UL RTOA 277 is the difference between RTOA reference time 275 and the actual time when the start of subframe 269 is received by the MD, the start of subframe 269 corresponding to the start of subframe 259.

[0053] As discussed previously, the technique for determining the location of a UE involves the UE sending a signal (e.g., a reference signal such as an SRS or DMRS, or a signal on a physical channel such as a PRACH, PUSCH, or PUCCH), the MD measuring the signal and reporting the measurement results to the MC, and the MC determining the location of the UE based on the measurement results. The signal is configured by a serving access node (e.g., a serving gNB or serving NR cell in NR or a serving eNB or serving LTE cell in LTE). The configuration of the signal includes the specification of time-related information for the signal. Currently, the time-related information is based on the timing of the serving access node. The signal configuration is available at all MDs tasked with measuring the signal. The signal configuration enables the MD to detect such a signal and perform measurements based on such a signal.

[0054] However, if the particular MD is a node that does not have a timing structure (e.g., a type 1 node) or a node that has a timing structure but the timing of the node is inconsistent with the serving access node (e.g., a type 2A node), the time-related information provided in the signal configuration is not sufficient to help the MD detect and measure the signals sent by the UE.

[0055] For the purpose of illustration, this document presents a discussion about timing related information that is required to implement the measurement of a signal sent by a UE through an MD. For the purpose of discussion, the signal sent by the UE is an SRS, however, other signals may be sent by the UE, such as a DMRS or a signal sent on a PRACH, PUSCH, or PUCCH. Therefore, the discussion of SRS should not be interpreted as limiting the scope or spirit of the example embodiments.

[0056] The first timing-related information required to implement the measurement of SRS is the SRS slot boundary. Knowing the SRS slot boundary enables the MD to identify the SRS symbols within the slot. In NR, depending on the configuration, the SRS occupies only 1, 2 or 4 symbols of the last 6 symbols of the slot that includes the SRS (the slot is referred to as the SRS slot in this article). The boundaries of the SRS slot should be known at the MD so that the MD can identify the SRS symbols within the SRS slot and detect the SRS. The SRS configuration also includes an SRS period and an offset (specified in number of slots). Therefore, the MD that receives the SRS period and SRS configuration can use equation (1) to identify the SRS slot, which can be expressed as

[0057]

[0058] in, is the number of slots per radio frame for subcarrier spacing (SCS) index μ. For example, for a 15 kHz SCS, n f is the SFN at the serving access node, is the slot index within the radio frame (for example, when SCS is 15KHz, can have a value from 0 to 9), T offset is the slot offset given in the SRS configuration, and T SRS is the SRS period given in the SRS configuration. Obviously, is equal to the total number of time slots from time slot 0 of SFN 0 to the SRS time slot. Therefore, T offset It can be interpreted as an offset relative to time slot 0 of SFN 0.

[0059] The MD with the same timing structure as the serving access node has the same SFN and radio frame boundary as the serving access node. Therefore, at each time point, the MD has the same n f The MD also knows the SCS from the SRS configuration or other information, and therefore, the MD knows Therefore, given the SRS period and offset, the MD can determine That is, the SRS slot index within the radio frame.

[0060] However, this is not the case for an MD without a timing structure and an MD with a timing structure but the timing structure is inconsistent with the serving access node. An MD without a timing structure does not have any frame structure, while an MD with a timing structure but the timing structure is inconsistent with the serving access node has different radio frame boundaries and SFNs from the serving access node, and equation (1) cannot be used to obtain

[0061] According to LTE, a reference time is provided by the core network to MDs that do not have a timing structure (e.g., LTE LMUs). This reference time is called the uplink RTOA (UL RTOA) reference time and specifies the time relative to the start of the SRS slot at 00:00:00 on January 1, 1900. In other words, the reference time specifies the time relative to the start of the SRS slot at the configuration time (00:00:00 on January 1, 1900). Figure 3 A radio frame sequence 300 is shown highlighting the UL RTOA reference time that provides a reference time for the SRS time slot. Figure 3 A radio frame sequence 300 is shown, including SFN_0 305, SFN_1 307, and SFN_N 309. SFN_N 309 includes an SRS slot 315. Figure 3 As shown, UL RTOA reference time 320 provides a reference time for the start of SRS slot 315. Knowing the start of SRS slot 315 enables the MD to identify SRS symbol 325 of SRS slot 315. Figure 3 315, but the UL RTOA reference time 320 may provide a reference time for any portion of the SRS slot, such as the end of the SRS slot, the middle of the SRS slot, any arbitrary point within the SRS slot (e.g., a specific symbol time), or even any other point in time from which the start of the SRS slot or SRS symbol may be derived. Once the start of the SRS slot (or any other agreed-upon point) is determined using the UL RTOA reference time, the configured SRS period T may also be used. SRS The locations of all recurring SRS slots are known.

[0062] When group hopping or sequence hopping is enabled (e.g., the configuration parameter "groupOrSequenceHopping" is set to "groupHopping" or "sequenceHopping"), the second timing-related information required to enable measurement of the SRS is the radio frame boundary or a time associated therewith. The SRS used in LTE and NR is a Zadoff-Chu (ZC) sequence. Each ZC sequence is determined in part using a root sequence. In the SRS sequence design, the root sequence depends on various parameters, including a configurable sequence identifier and an SRS sequence length. In addition, if the configuration parameter "groupOrSequenceHopping" is set to "groupHopping" or "sequenceHopping" (or equivalently, groupHopping or sequenceHopping is enabled), the root sequence is also determined by the parameter and v depend on the SRS symbol index (the symbol to which the SRS sequence is mapped) within the radio frame, where and v can be expressed as equation (2):

[0063]

[0064] v=0

[0065] or

[0066]

[0067]

[0068] in, is the number of symbols in the time slot, the number of symbols is equal to 14, and l0+l′ is the SRS symbol index in the SRS time slot. Therefore, is the SRS symbol index from the beginning of the current radio frame.

[0069] However, in LTE, for an MD that has a timing structure but the timing structure is not consistent with the serving eNB, there is no known way to determine in addition, Not available for MDs without a timing structure. In LTE, the only information available at MDs without a timing structure is the time associated with the start of the SRS slot (i.e., the location of the SRS slot is known, but its index is unknown). In the representation of radio frames where time increases from left to right, the start of a slot represents the leading edge of the slot or the first part of the slot injected into the channel. Then, only the start of the SRS slot is determined from the start of the SRS slot. There are challenges.

[0070] If the MD knows the start of the radio frame and the start of the SRS slot, l0 and l′ specified in the SRS configuration, the SCS (which determines the length of each symbol in the time domain), and Based on the fact that , the SRS symbol index from the beginning of the current radio frame can be determined without knowing However, the MD may determine the start of a radio frame based on the start of an SRS slot and other information available to the MD (eg, SRS period, SRS offset) (only when certain conditions are met, which will be explained below).

[0071] When an SRS offset is given, the radio frame boundaries can be determined from the SRS slot boundaries only when the SRS period is K times the number of slots in the frame, where K is a positive integer (ie, K is an integer greater than or equal to 1). FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C The determination of radio frame boundaries from SRS slot boundaries is shown. Figure 4A A radio frame sequence 400 with an SRS period of 20 slots and an SRS offset of 4 slots is shown. Figure 4A As shown, the radio frame sequence 400 starts from slot_0 405 of SFN_j. The first SRS slot 407 occurs in slot_4 of SFN_j, followed by the second SRS slot 409 in slot_4 of SFN_j+2 and the third SRS slot 411 in slot_4 of SFN_j+4, because the SRS period is twice the number of slots in the radio frame. Because the SRS period is an integer multiple of the number of slots in the radio frame (i.e., K=2), the radio frame boundary can be determined based on the SRS slot boundary.

[0072] Figure 4B A radio frame sequence 420 with an SRS period of 5 slots and an SRS offset of 4 slots is shown. Figure 4B As shown, the radio frame sequence 420 starts from slot_0 425 of SFN_j. The first SRS slot 427 occurs in slot_4 of SFN_j, followed by the second SRS slot 429 in slot_9 of SFN_j and the third SRS slot 431 in slot_0 of SFN_j+i, because the SRS period is 1 / 2 times the number of slots in the radio frame. Because the SRS period is less than a positive integer multiple of the number of slots in the radio frame (i.e., K=1 / 2), the radio frame boundary cannot be determined based on the SRS slot boundary. Figure 4C A radio frame sequence 440 is shown with an SRS period of 16 slots and an SRS offset of 4 slots. Figure 4CAs shown, the radio frame sequence 440 starts from slot_0 445 of SFN_j. The first SRS slot 447 occurs in slot_4 of SFN_j, and is followed by a second SRS slot 449 in slot_0 of SFN_j+2 and a third SRS slot 451 in slot_6 of SFN_j+3, because the SRS period is a non-integer multiple of the number of slots in the radio frame. Because the SRS period is not an integer multiple of the number of slots in the radio frame (i.e., K=16 / 10=8 / 5), the radio frame boundaries cannot be determined based on the SRS slot boundaries.

[0073] Therefore, when group hopping or sequence hopping is enabled, in order to determine the SRS symbol index from the start of the current radio frame, the MD needs to know the start position of the radio frame. In an MD without a timing structure, this information cannot usually be determined from the start of the SRS slot. In an MD with a timing structure that is not consistent with the serving access node, the start of both the SRS slot and the radio frame are unknown.

[0074] When SRS frequency hopping is enabled, the third timing related information required to enable SRS measurements is the radio frame number, such as SFN. When SRS frequency hopping is enabled, the SRS frequency position of each SRS symbol uses (partially) a value that depends on n SRS The expression is determined. SRS It can be expressed as equation (3):

[0075]

[0076] in,

[0077] In order to determine n SRS MD needs to know SFN n f .n f is the SFN of the gNB in ​​NR or the eNB in ​​LTE for which SRS is configured, and the gNB in ​​NR or the eNB in ​​LTE for which SRS is configured is the serving gNB in ​​NR or the serving eNB in ​​LTE. It may not be possible to determine n based on the start of the SRS slot available to the MD in LTE without a timing structure. f The same is true for an MD that has a timing structure but the timing structure is not consistent with the serving access node.

[0078] If the start of a radio frame is known and the SFN of the frame is known, then since the SRS slot offset is part of the SRS configuration, if the SCS is also known at the MD, the SRS slot boundaries can be determined. The SCS is basic information that should be available at the MD for any type of communication. The SRS slot boundaries can be determined by the MD as follows:

[0079] - MD knows the time associated with the start of a radio frame and the SFN of the radio frame. Assuming the duration of each radio frame is, for example, 10 ms, the MD goes back 10*SFN ms to determine the time associated with the start of the first radio frame SFN_0, which is also the start of slot_0 of SFN_0.

[0080] - Given the SCS, the MD determines the length of the time slot, which in NR is the length of 14 symbols in the time domain.

[0081] - Given the SRS slot offset and the length of the slot, the MD determines the time associated with the start of the first SRS slot.

[0082] - The SRS period may be used to determine the time associated with the start of all other SRS slots.

[0083] When the MD successfully detects and measures the SRS, the MD provides a UL RTOA report to the MC (e.g., LMF in NR or E-SMLC in LTE). This article presents the UL RTOA reporting process in LTE as an example, where the notation X->Y indicates that Y is the recipient of the information from X:

[0084] - Primary cell (Pcell) -> E-SMLC: Each service access node configured with SRS provides SFN initialization time.

[0085] -E-SMLC->LMU: Provides a common UL RTOA reference time for all service access nodes configured with SRS.

[0086] - Refer to the SFN initialization time and provide the UL RTOA reference time to the LMU.

[0087] - The UL RTOA reference time indicates the start of the SRS subframe based on the downlink frame structure of the serving cell.

[0088] - LMU->E-SMLC: Report UL RTOA as the start of subframe i containing SRS relative to a configurable reference time (ie, the UL RTOA reference time).

[0089] The E-SMLC in LTE is the entity that collects UL RTOA reports and determines the location of the UE based on the reports. In NR, the LMF also provides similar functions.

[0090] According to LTE, the UL RTOA values ​​in the UL RTOA report are all positive. Although the UL RTOA report in 3GPP LTE only allows positive values, negative UL RTOA values ​​are also possible and valid values. For example, when the distance between the MD and the UE is less than the distance between the serving access node and the UE, a negative UL RTOA value may occur.

[0091] Figure 5 A radio frame sequence 500 is shown highlighting positive UL RTOA. The radio frame sequence 500 includes a plurality of radio frames including a SFN_N 505 including an SRS slot 510. The slot 515 is a detailed view of the SRS slot 510 and includes an SRS symbol 517. Figure 5 Also shown is a UL RTOA reference time 520 indicating the start of time slot 515 (SRS time slot 510). Time slot 515 represents the nominal time of the SRS time slot in the time domain, which is the time of the SRS time slot at the serving access node. Time slot 525 is also a detailed view of SRS time slot 510, but represents the actual time of the SRS time slot in the time domain detected at the MD, which is the time of the SRS time slot when the SRS time slot is detected at the MD. Timeline 530 shows the occurrence of the nominal position 532 and actual position 534 of the SRS symbol when the SRS symbol is detected at the MD (e.g., LMU, gNB, or NR cell). SRS time slot 510 (in Figure 5 The difference between the actual position (in the time domain) and the nominal position (represented as time slots 515 and 525 in FIG. 1 ) is the UL RTOA (e.g., UL RTOA 540) reported by the MD to the MC. Due to the propagation delay difference caused by the distance difference between the serving access node, the UE, and the MD, the actual position 534 occurs later in time than the nominal position 532. Because the actual position 534 occurs later in time than the nominal position 532, the UL RTOA is positive.

[0092] Figure 6 A radio frame sequence 600 is shown highlighting negative UL RTOA. The radio frame sequence 600 includes a plurality of radio frames including a SFN_N 605 including an SRS slot 610. The slot 615 is a detailed view of the SRS slot 610 and includes an SRS symbol 617. Figure 6Also shown in FIG. 6 is a UL RTOA reference time 620 indicating the start of time slot 615 (SRS time slot 610). Time slot 615 represents the nominal time of the SRS time slot in the time domain at the serving access node. Time slot 625 is also a detailed view of SRS time slot 610, but represents the actual time of the SRS time slot in the time domain as detected at the MD. Timeline 630 shows the occurrence of the actual 632 position and nominal 634 position in the time domain when the SRS symbol is detected at the MD (e.g., LMU). SRS time slot 610 (in Figure 6 The difference between the actual position 632 (in the time domain) and the nominal position 634 (represented as time slots 615 and 625 in FIG. 1 ) is the UL RTOA reported by the MD to the MC (e.g., UL RTOA 640). Due to the propagation delay difference caused by the distance difference between the serving access node, the UE, and the MD, the actual position 632 occurs earlier in time than the nominal position 634. Because the actual position 632 occurs earlier in time than the nominal position 634, the UL RTOA is negative.

[0093] With regard to determining the location or position of a device, NR includes some differences when compared to LTE. These differences include:

[0094] - There is no LMU in NR and the gNB receives SRS;

[0095] - Since the SRS may be transmitted directionally (ie, the SRS may be beamformed), multiple SRS resources may be required to support determining the position or location of the device; and

[0096] -The configuration of SRS resources is more flexible.

[0097] Therefore, a common uplink frame timing between multiple SRS resources is desired. Because SRS is configured in the serving cell, the uplink frame timing can be based on the serving cell. In addition, in order to reduce interference to neighboring cells, an additional timing advance (e.g., a different timing advance) compared to the timing advance of the serving cell can be applied. When the gNB reports UL RTOA to the LMF, the timing advance should be considered when deriving the UL RTOA (when applying the timing advance).

[0098] Note that if the SRS timing is based on the timing of the serving cell, determining the UL RTOA is simplified. Due to the greater flexibility of SRS resource configuration (including group hopping or sequence hopping and frequency hopping), it is beneficial for neighboring gNBs to know the frame timing to correctly receive SRS (e.g., detect SRS sequence or SRS frequency hopping). The SFN initialization time of the serving cell can be indicated to neighboring cells so that the neighboring cells can detect and measure the SRS resources themselves. The SFN initialization time is a time associated with the start of slot_0 of SFN_0 relative to another point on the time axis known in all MDs (e.g., gNBs). This point on the time axis can be a configurable time such as 00:00:00 on January 1, 1900, or any other point on the time axis known in all MDs.

[0099] According to an example embodiment, in order to support detection and measurement of SRS (wherein group hopping and sequence hopping as well as frequency hopping are enabled) by an MD without a timing structure or an MD with a timing structure but the timing structure is inconsistent with the serving access node, information is provided that allows the MD to determine SFN, frame boundaries and SCS (parameter sets (numerology) of SRS). The information provided by the UE, the serving access node, the network entity or a combination of the UE, the serving access node or the network entity allows the MD to determine the SFN, frame boundaries and SCS, thereby enabling the MD to detect and measure the SRS. In the case where there are multiple SRS parameter sets (for example, in NR), the parameter set helps the MD identify the SRS time slot. Therefore, in LTE where there is a single SRS parameter set, the parameter set does not need to be provided to the MD. However, in a communication system where there are multiple SRS parameter sets, the parameter set associated with the SRS time slot is also provided to the MD.

[0100] According to an example embodiment, the information provided to the MD includes timing information associated with the SRS (e.g., one or more of an SFN initialization time, an SFN number, a start of a radio frame, a start of an SRS slot, etc.) and a parameter set associated with the SRS. The MD receiving the timing information and the parameter set may be able to determine (e.g., locate or identify) the SRS slot and may be able to detect and measure the SRS transmitted therein. The timing information may be provided by a UE, a serving access node, a network entity, or a combination of a UE, a serving access node, or a network entity. The parameter set may be provided by a UE, a serving access node, a network entity, or a combination of a UE, a serving access node, or a network entity.

[0101] In an embodiment, the timing information includes a reference time equal to the SFN initialization time. The SFN initialization time is a time associated with the start of slot_0 of SFN_0 relative to another point on the time axis known in all MDs (e.g., gNBs). This point on the time axis can be a configurable time such as 00:00:00 on January 1, 1900, or any other point on the time axis known in all MDs. The SFN initialization time may be referred to as the UL RTOA reference time. In yet another alternative embodiment, the UL RTOA reference time may be the start of a slot obtained using the SFN initialization time, the SRS SCS, and the SRS period and SRS offset. In this embodiment, the reference time provided to the MD includes a time corresponding to the start of slot_0 of SFN_0, where slot_0 of SFN_0 corresponds to the first slot of a radio frame sequence including an SRS slot. The parameter set associated with the SRS is the SRS SCS.

[0102] Although the discussion focuses on implementations where the reference time specifies a time associated with the start of slot_0 of SFN_0, the example implementations presented herein may operate with other reference times that specify other portions of the sequence frame. The use of the SFN initialization time and parameter set to identify the SRS slots is applicable both in MDs that do not have a timing structure and in MDs that have a timing structure but the timing structure is not consistent with the serving access node. The MD may determine the SRS slot boundaries, frame boundaries, and radio frame numbers based on the reference time and parameter set as well as the SRS period and SRS offset (where the latter two information are part of the SRS configuration available to the UE and the MD).

[0103] Figure 7 A radio frame sequence 700 is shown highlighting the SFN initialization time as a reference time. The radio frame sequence 700 includes SFN_N 705, which includes an SRS slot 710. The MD receives the SFN initialization time 715, which specifies the time associated with the start of slot_0 of SFN_0 as a reference time (i.e., the UL RTOA reference time). Using the SFN initialization time and the parameter set of SRS, as well as the SRS period and SRS offset (where the latter two information are part of the SRS configuration available to the UE and the MD), the MD is able to identify the SRS slot 710 and detect and measure the SRS included therein.

[0104] In an embodiment, the timing information includes: a reference time, a SFN of a radio frame including an SRS slot, and a slot number of an SRS slot within a radio frame, the reference time being a time associated with the start of an SRS slot, the reference time being alternatively referred to as a UL RTOA reference time. In other words, the timing information provided to the MD directly identifies the SRS slot. Although the discussion focuses on an embodiment in which the reference time is a reference to the start of an SRS slot, the example embodiments presented herein may operate with other reference times that identify other parts of an SRS slot, including a specific symbol within an SRS slot, the end of an SRS slot, the middle of an SRS slot, etc. The use of a time associated with the start of an SRS slot, a SFN of a radio frame including an SRS slot, and a slot number of an SRS slot, as well as a parameter set for an SRS, is applicable to both an MD that does not have a timing structure and an MD that has a timing structure but the timing structure is inconsistent with a serving access node. The MD may determine an SRS slot boundary, a radio frame boundary, and a radio frame number based on the timing information and the information carried in the parameter set.

[0105] In an embodiment, the timing information includes a reference time and a SFN of a radio frame including an SRS slot, the reference time being a time associated with the start of the SRS slot, which reference time may alternatively be referred to as a UL RTOA reference time. In other words, the timing information provided to the MD directly identifies the SRS slot. Although the discussion focuses on an embodiment in which the reference time is a reference to the start of the SRS slot, the example embodiments presented herein may operate with other reference times that identify other parts of the SRS slot, including specific symbols within the SRS slot, the end of the SRS slot, the middle of the SRS slot, etc. The use of the time associated with the start of the SRS slot and the SFN of the radio frame including the SRS slot and the parameter set of the SRS is applicable to both MDs that do not have a timing structure and MDs that have a timing structure but the timing structure is inconsistent with the serving access node. The MD may determine the SRS slot boundary, the radio frame boundary, and the radio frame number based on the information carried in the timing information and parameter set, as well as the SRS period and SRS offset (where the latter two information are part of the SRS configuration available to the UE and the MD).

[0106] According to an example embodiment, in order to support detection and measurement of SRS, the UE utilizes the timing of the MD to send the SRS. Using the timing of the MD to send the SRS enables the MD to easily determine (e.g., locate or identify) the SRS time slot and measure the SRS. In an embodiment, in the presence of MDs with different timings, the UE sends the SRS multiple times, each time utilizing a different timing associated with a specific MD to which the UE is sending the SRS. If the SRS is sent with a timing different from the timing of a specific MD, the specific MD will not be able to determine the location of the SRS time slot and will not be able to measure the SRS. In a communication system that utilizes beamforming to compensate for high path loss, the necessity of sending different SRS to different MDs is not necessarily a significant additional burden.

[0107] In an embodiment, the UE obtains the timing (e.g., SFN and radio frame boundaries) of the MD by detecting a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) and analyzing the PBCH content sent by the MD. As an example, the UE receives the configuration of the SSB, including the SSB frequency, SSB SCS, SSB measurement window (e.g., period, offset, duration, etc.), and an identifier of the MD. As another example, the UE detects the SSB using a configured measurement object (e.g., MeasObjectNR in NR) to obtain the timing of the MD. In such a case, the identifier of the MD may be included in a field in the MeasObjectNR, such as SSB-MTC2. In many applications, for example, for mobility purposes, the UE typically measures the SSB of neighboring access nodes, and therefore, almost no additional overhead is incurred. The requirement for the MD to send SSB may limit this example implementation to an MD having a timing structure but a timing structure that is inconsistent with a serving access node.

[0108] In an example, the UL RTOA reference time is the nominal time of the start of radio frame i (i.e., the time of the start of radio frame i at the serving cell or serving gNB), where i is a non-negative integer (i.e., i is equal to or greater than zero), and the UL RTOA measured by the MD is the difference between the actual time of the start of radio frame i when the MD receives radio frame i and the UL RTOA reference time. In another example, and as described above, the UL RTOA reference time is the nominal time of the start of an SRS slot (i.e., the time of the start of the SRS slot at the serving cell or serving gNB), and the UL RTOA measured by the MD is the difference between the actual time of the start of the SRS slot when the MD receives the SRS slot and the UL RTOA reference time.

[0109] In such an example implementation, the appropriate timing advance (TA) at the UE may be unknown. As currently defined, the TA at the UE is used to compensate for propagation delays and to enable the uplink signal sent by the UE to be received at the network side within a cyclic prefix (CP) time from the beginning of the symbol in the timing structure of the serving access node. In other words, the TA is an adjustment to the transmission timing at the transmitting device so that the transmission arrives at the receiving device at a specified time within a specified time range. As discussed above, in location service applications, the MD receiving the SRS may be a node that is not a serving access node. In an implementation, the network provides a nominal TA to the UE. When determining the distance based on UL RTOA at the network side, the TA provided by the network (e.g., serving access node, network node, network entity, etc.) should be considered. The TA can be considered in the UL RTOA report from the MD to the MC. In such a case, the TA should also be known at the MD or MC. The nominal TA can be determined based on the TA of the UE toward the serving access node (uplink timing), the relative distance of the serving access node to the MD, and the approximate UE position. In another embodiment, a longer search window for SRS detection is used at the MD.

[0110] According to an example embodiment, when the timing information includes: a reference time (which is a time associated with the start of an SRS slot, which may alternatively be referred to as a UL RTOA reference time), a SFN of a radio frame including the SRS slot, and a slot number of the SRS slot within a radio frame, or when the timing information includes: a reference time (which is a time associated with the start of an SRS slot, which may alternatively be referred to as a UL RTOA reference time) and a SFN of a radio frame including the SRS slot, then negative UL RTOA value support is provided. As discussed previously, negative UL RTOA values ​​are not supported in UL RTOA reporting in LTE. However, negative UL RTOA values ​​are valid values, so not reporting them may result in poor location-based performance. In an embodiment, the UL RTOA reporting is modified to allow negative UL RTOA values. In an embodiment, the UL RTOA values ​​are adjusted so that these values ​​are relative to the UL RTOA reference time minus any TA. In such an embodiment, the TA is provided to the MD. In an embodiment, the TA is considered in the UL RTOA reference time.

[0111] According to an example embodiment, when the timing information includes a reference time equal to the SFN initialization time, then the UL RTOA reference time is determined based on the SFN initialization time. In an embodiment, the UL RTOA report is modified to allow negative UL RTOA values. In an embodiment, the UL RTOA values ​​are adjusted so that they are relative to the UL RTOA reference time minus any TA. In such an embodiment, the TA is not only known at the UE, but the TA is also provided to the MD. In an embodiment, the TA is taken into account in the UL RTOA reference time.

[0112] Figure 8 A radio frame sequence 800 is shown that highlights TA considerations in determining the UL RTOA reference time. The radio frame sequence 800 includes a plurality of radio frames including SFN_N 805, which includes SRS slot 810. Slot 815 is a detailed view of SRS slot 810 and includes SRS symbol 817. Figure 8 Also shown in the figure is time slot 830, which is also a detailed view of SRS time slot 810. However, time slot 830 differs from time slot 815 in that time slot 830 is offset by TA 825 relative to time slot 815. Time slot 830 represents a nominal SRS time slot in the time domain at a serving access node that provides compensation for the TA. Time slot 830 includes SRS symbol 832. Time slot 835 is also a detailed view of SRS time slot 810, but represents the actual time of the SRS time slot in the time domain as detected at the MD. Time slot 835 includes SRS symbol 837. Timeline 840 shows the occurrence of the nominal 842 position and actual 844 position when the SRS symbol is detected at the MD (e.g., LMU or gNB). SRS time slot 810 (at Figure 8 The difference between the nominal position 842 (in the time domain) and the actual position 844 (represented as time slots 830 and 835 in FIG. 8 ) is the UL RTOA reported by the MD to the MC (eg, UL RTOA 845 ).

[0113] According to an example embodiment, when the UE transmits the SRS using the timing of the MD, the UL RTOA is determined based on the difference between the nominal position of the SRS slot (i.e., based on the UL RTOA reference time) and the SRS slot received by the MD. In an embodiment, the TA is also considered in the UL RTOA. As an example, the UL RTOA is determined according to an expression that can be expressed as follows:

[0114] UL RTOA=A-B+C,

[0115] Where A is the start of a radio frame calculated based on the actual time of receiving SRS received by the MD, B is the start of a radio frame based on the nominal time of receiving SRS, and C is TA or 0. If C is 0, the MC may add TA to the UL RTOA report when determining the location of the UE. In another embodiment, A is the start of an SRS slot calculated based on the actual time of receiving SRS received by the MD, B is the start of an SRS slot based on the nominal time of receiving SRS, and C is TA or 0. If C is 0, the MC may add TA to the UL RTOA report when determining the location of the UE.

[0116] Fig. 9 A flow diagram of example operations 900 occurring when an MD detects and receives a signal (such as an SRS) transmitted by a UE and measures the signal to determine UL RTOA is shown. Operations 900 may be indicative of operations occurring in an MD when the MD detects and receives a signal transmitted by a UE and measures the signal to determine UL RTOA.

[0117] Operation 900 begins with the MD obtaining timing information associated with a signal and a parameter set associated with the signal (block 905). Obtaining the timing information and the parameter set may include receiving the timing information and the parameter set. In an embodiment, the timing information includes an SFN initialization time. In other words, the timing information includes the start of slot 0 of radio frame zero (e.g., SFN_0) relative to a configurable reference time. In another embodiment, the timing information includes a reference time and an SFN of a radio frame including an SRS slot, the reference time being a time associated with the start of the SRS slot, the reference time being alternatively referred to as an UL RTOA reference time. In such an embodiment, when the period of the SRS is a positive integer multiple of the number of slots per radio frame, the MD also obtains the slot number of the SRS slot. In yet another embodiment, the timing information includes: a reference time, an SFN of a radio frame including the SRS slot, and a slot number of the SRS slot within the radio frame, the reference time being a time associated with the start of the SRS slot, the reference time being alternatively referred to as an UL RTOA reference time (block 907). For example, a parameter set associated with an SRS includes information such as an SCS. Timing information may be obtained or received from a serving access node, a network entity, a UE, or a combination of a serving access node, a network entity, or a UE. A parameter set may be obtained or received from a serving access node, a network entity, a UE, or a combination of a serving access node, a network entity, or a UE.

[0118] The MD may optionally obtain a TA (block 909). The TA may be obtained from a serving access node or a network entity or a combination of a serving access node and a network entity. The TA may be received from a serving access node or a network entity or a combination of a serving access node and a network entity. The MD determines the time and frequency resources (i.e., location) for signal transmission based on the obtained timing information and parameter set (block 911). The MD detects and receives the signal based on the determined time and frequency resources for signal transmission (block 913). The MD measures the UL RTOA (block 915). As an example, the UL RTOA is the difference between the UL RTOA reference time and a determined time related to the actual time at which the MD receives the signal transmission. The determined time may refer to the time of the start of an SRS slot or the time of the start of a radio frame including an SRS slot. In the case of supporting negative UL RTOA values, the MD may adjust the UL RTOA (block 917). In an embodiment, negative UL RTOA values ​​are adjusted so that these values ​​are relative to the UL RTOA reference time minus any TA. In an embodiment, the TA is considered in the UL RTOA reference time. In an embodiment, negative UL RTOA values ​​are allowed in the UL RTOA report. In the case where the timing information includes the SFN initialization time, then the UL RTOA reference time is determined based on the SFN initialization time, and the negative UL RTOA values ​​are adjusted so that these values ​​are relative to the UL RTOA reference time minus any TA, the TA is taken into account in the UL RTOA reference time, or negative UL RTOA values ​​are allowed in the UL RTOA report. The MD sends the UL RTOA report (block 919). For example, the UL RTOA report may be sent to the MC.

[0119] Fig. 10A A flow diagram illustrating example operations 1000 occurring when a UE transmits a signal (eg, SRS) when the signal is transmitted at the timing of the MD. Operations 1000 may be indicative of operations occurring in a UE when the UE transmits a signal when the signal is transmitted at the timing of the MD.

[0120] Operation 1000 begins with the UE determining the timing information of the MD (block 1005). For example, the UE may determine the timing information of the MD by detecting an SSB associated with the MD. Timing information (e.g., SFN and radio frame boundaries) may be determined based on the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) of the SSB and the content of the SSB. As an example, the SSB may be detected using configuration information of the SSB, such as the following information: frequency information of the SSB associated with the MD, an SSB parameter set, information of the measurement window of the SSB (e.g., the period of the measurement window, the offset of the measurement window, or the duration of the measurement window), and an identifier of the MD. As an example, the SSB may be detected using information included in a configured measurement object (e.g., MeasObjectNR in NR). In such a case, the identifier of the MD may be included in a field in MeasObjectNR, such as SSB-MTC2. The UE may obtain a TA (block 1007). The TA may be obtained or received from a serving access node, a network node, a network entity, etc. The UE sends a signal (block 1009). The signal is sent according to the timing information of the MD.

[0121] Fig. 10B A flow diagram of example operations 1050 occurring when the MD detects and receives a signal (e.g., SRS) transmitted by a UE and measures the signal to determine UL RTOA when the signal is transmitted at the timing of the MD is shown. Operations 1050 may be indicative of operations occurring in the MD when the MD detects and receives a signal transmitted by a UE and measures the signal to determine UL RTOA when the signal is transmitted at the timing of the MD.

[0122] Operation 1050 begins with the MD sending an SSB (box 1055). The SSB includes the timing configuration of the MD and an identifier of the MD. The MD can obtain a TA (box 1057). The TA can be obtained or received from a serving access node, a network node, a network entity, etc. The MD detects and receives a signal (box 1059). Since the SRS is sent using the timing configuration of the MD, the MD knows the time and frequency resources for the signal transmission. The MD measures the UL RTOA (box 1061). As an example, the UL RTOA is the difference between the UL RTOA reference time and a determined time related to the actual time when the MD receives the signal transmission. The determined time may refer to the time of the start of the SRS timeslot or the time of the start of a radio frame including the SRS timeslot. In the case of supporting negative UL RTOA values, the MD can adjust the UL RTOA (box 1063). The UL RTOA may be adjusted according to the following expression: UL RTOA = A - B + C, where A is the start of a radio frame calculated based on the actual time of receiving the SRS received by the MD, B is the start of a radio frame based on the nominal time of the SRS, and C is TA or 0. If C is 0, the MC may add TA to the UL RTOA report when determining the location of the UE. In an alternative embodiment, A is the start of an SRS slot calculated based on the actual time of receiving the SRS received by the MD, B is the start of an SRS slot based on the nominal time of the SRS, and C is TA or 0. If C is 0, the MC may add TA to the UL RTOA report when determining the location of the UE. The MD sends a UL RTOA report (block 1065). For example, the UL RTOA report may be sent to the MC.

[0123] Fig.11 An example communication system 1100 is shown. In general, the system 1100 enables multiple wireless or wired users to send and receive data and other content. The system 1100 can implement one or more channel access methods, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), or non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA).

[0124] In this example, the communication system 1100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 1110a to 1110c, radio access networks (RANs) 1120a to 1120b, a core network 1130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 1140, the Internet 1150, and other networks 1160. Fig.11 A specific number of these components or elements are shown in FIG. 11 , but any number of these components or elements may be included in system 1100 .

[0125] EDs 1110a to 1110c are configured to operate or communicate in system 1100. For example, EDs 1110a to 1110c are configured to transmit or receive via a wireless or wired communication channel. Each of EDs 1110a to 1110c represents any suitable end-user device and may include (or may be referred to as) such devices as user equipment or devices (UE), wireless transmit or receive units (WTRU), mobile stations, fixed or mobile subscriber units, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), smart phones, laptop computers, computers, touch pads, wireless sensors, or consumer electronic devices.

[0126] Here, the RAN 1120a to 1120b include base stations 1170a to 1170b, respectively. Each of the base stations 1170a to 1170b is configured to perform a wireless interface with one or more of the EDs 1110a to 1110c to enable access to the core network 1130, the PSTN 1140, the Internet 1150, or other networks 1160. For example, the base stations 1170a to 1170b may include (or may be) one or more of several well-known devices, such as a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a next generation (NG) NodeB (gNB), a home NodeB, a home eNodeB, a site controller, an access point (AP), or a wireless router. EDs 1110 a - 1110 c are configured to interface and communicate with the Internet 1150 , and may access a core network 1130 , a PSTN 1140 , or other networks 1160 .

[0127] exist Fig.11In the illustrated embodiment, base station 1170a forms part of RAN 1120a, which may include other base stations, elements, or devices. In addition, base station 1170b forms part of RAN 1120b, which may include other base stations, elements, or devices. Each of base stations 1170a to 1170b operates to send or receive wireless signals within a specific geographic area or region, sometimes referred to as a "cell." In some embodiments, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology with multiple transceivers per cell may be employed.

[0128] Base stations 1170a-1170b communicate with one or more EDs 1110a-1110c using wireless communication links over one or more air interfaces 1190. Air interfaces 1190 may utilize any suitable radio access technology.

[0129] It is contemplated that the system 1100 may use multi-channel access functionality, including such schemes as described above. In a specific embodiment, the base station and ED implement 5G New Radio (NR), LTE, LTE-A, or LTE-B. Of course, other multiple access schemes and wireless protocols may be utilized.

[0130] RAN 1120a to 1120b communicates with core network 1130 to provide voice, data, applications, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or other services to ED 1110a to 1110c. It should be understood that RAN 1120a to 1120b or core network 1130 can communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown). Core network 1130 can also be used as a gateway access for other networks (such as PSTN 1140, Internet 1150 and other networks 1160). In addition, some or all of ED 1110a to 1110c may include functions for communicating with different wireless networks through different wireless links using different wireless technologies or protocols. Instead of wireless communication (or in addition to wireless communication), ED can communicate with service providers or switches (not shown) and Internet 1150 via wired communication channels.

[0131] although Fig.11 An example of a communication system is shown, but the Fig.11 For example, communication system 1100 may include any number of EDs, base stations, networks, or other components in any suitable configuration.

[0132] Fig. 12Aand Fig. 12B An example device is shown in which the methods and teachings according to the present disclosure can be implemented. In particular, Fig. 12A An example ED 1210 is shown, and Fig. 12B An example base station 1270 is shown. These components may be used in system 1100 or any other suitable system.

[0133] like Fig. 12A As shown, ED 1210 includes at least one processing unit 1200. Processing unit 1200 implements various processing operations of ED 1210. For example, processing unit 1200 can perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function that enables ED 1210 to operate in system 1100. Processing unit 1200 also supports the methods and teachings described in more detail above. Each processing unit 1200 includes any suitable processing or computing device configured to perform one or more operations. Each processing unit 1200 can include, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, or an application specific integrated circuit.

[0134] ED 1210 also includes at least one transceiver 1202. Transceiver 1202 is configured to modulate data or other content for transmission through at least one antenna or NIC (Network Interface Controller) 1204. Transceiver 1202 is also configured to demodulate data or other content received through at least one antenna 1204. Each transceiver 1202 includes any suitable structure for generating a signal for wireless or wired transmission or processing a signal received wirelessly or wired. Each antenna 1204 includes any suitable structure for transmitting or receiving wireless or wired signals. One or more transceivers 1202 can be used in ED 1210, and one or more antennas 1204 can be used in ED 1210. Although shown as a single functional unit, transceiver 1202 can also be implemented using at least one transmitter and at least one separate receiver.

[0135] ED 1210 also includes one or more input / output devices 1206 or interfaces (e.g., a wired interface to the Internet 1150). Input / output devices 1206 facilitate interaction with users or other devices (network communication devices) in a network. Each input / output device 1206 includes any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving information from a user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touch screen, including a network interface communication device.

[0136] In addition, ED 1210 includes at least one memory 1208. The memory 1208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 1210. For example, the memory 1208 can store software or firmware instructions executed by the processing unit 1200 and data for reducing or eliminating interference in incoming signals. Each memory 1208 includes any suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device and retrieval device. Any suitable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, etc.

[0137] like Fig. 12B As shown, the base station 1270 includes at least one processing unit 1250, at least one transceiver 1252 including functions for a transmitter and a receiver, one or more antennas 1256, at least one memory 1258, and one or more input / output devices or interfaces 1266. A scheduler that is understood by those skilled in the art is coupled to the processing unit 1250. The scheduler may be included in the base station 1270 or may be operated separately from the base station 1270. The processing unit 1250 implements various processing operations of the base station 1270, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function. The processing unit 1250 may also support the methods and teachings described in more detail above. Each processing unit 1250 includes any suitable processing or computing device configured to perform one or more operations. Each processing unit 1250 may, for example, include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, or an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0138] Each transceiver 1252 includes any suitable structure for generating a signal for wireless or wired transmission to one or more EDs or other devices. Each transceiver 1252 also includes any suitable structure for processing a signal received wirelessly or wired from one or more EDs or other devices. Although shown as a transceiver 1252 in combination, the transmitter and receiver can be separate components. Each antenna 1256 includes any suitable structure for sending or receiving wireless or wired signals. Although a common antenna 1256 is shown coupled to the transceiver 1252, one or more antennas 1256 can be coupled to the transceiver 1252 so that if the transceiver is equipped as a separate component, the separate antenna 1256 can be coupled to the transmitter and receiver. Each memory 1258 includes any suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device and retrieval device. Each input / output device 1266 facilitates interaction with users or other devices (network communication devices) in the network. Each input / output device 1266 includes any suitable structure for providing information to a user or receiving / providing information from a user, including network interface communication devices.

[0139] Fig.13 1300 is a block diagram of a computing system 1300 that can be used to implement the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. For example, the computing system can be any entity of a UE, an access network (AN), a mobility management (MM), a session management (SM), a user plane gateway (UPGW), or an access stratum (AS). A specific device may utilize all of the components shown or only a subset of the components, and the level of integration may vary from device to device. In addition, a device may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processing units, processors, memories, transmitters, receivers, etc. The computing system 1300 includes a processing unit 1302. The processing unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1314, a memory 1308, and may also include a mass storage device 1304, a video adapter 1310, and an I / O interface 1312 connected to a bus 1320.

[0140] Bus 1320 may be one or more of any type of several bus architectures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a video bus. CPU 1314 may include any type of electronic data processor. Memory 1308 may include any type of non-transient system memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, memory 1308 may include a ROM for use at startup and a DRAM for program and data storage used when executing a program.

[0141] The mass storage device 1304 may include any type of non-transitory storage device configured to store data, programs, and other information and to enable access to such data, programs, and other information via the bus 1320. The mass storage device 1304 may include, for example, one or more of a solid-state drive, a hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive, or an optical disk drive.

[0142] The video adapter 1310 and the I / O interface 1312 provide interfaces for coupling external input and output devices to the processing unit 1302. As shown, examples of input and output devices include a display 1318 coupled to the video adapter 1310 and a mouse, keyboard, or printer 1316 coupled to the I / O interface 1312. Other devices may be coupled to the processing unit 1302, and additional or fewer interface cards may be used. For example, a serial interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) (not shown) may be used to provide an interface for external devices.

[0143] The processing unit 1302 also includes one or more network interfaces 1306, which may include a wired link such as an Ethernet cable or a wireless link to an access node or a different network. The network interface 1306 enables the processing unit 1302 to communicate with a remote unit via a network. For example, the network interface 1306 may provide wireless communication via one or more transmitters / transmit antennas and one or more receivers / receive antennas. In an embodiment, the processing unit 1302 is coupled to a local area network 1322 or a wide area network for communication and data processing with remote devices such as other processing units, the Internet, or remote storage facilities.

[0144] It should be understood that one or more steps of the embodiment method provided herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be sent by a sending unit or a sending module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or a receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or a processing module. Other steps can be performed by a measuring unit or a module, a determining unit or a module, a detecting unit or a module, or a subtracting unit or a module. Each unit / module can be hardware, software or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of the units or modules can be an integrated circuit, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0145] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining the timing of an uplink signal, the method comprising: receiving timing information associated with an uplink signal and a parameter set of the uplink signal, wherein the timing information is used to determine a reference time of the uplink signal received from a user equipment UE, wherein the timing information comprises one or more of an SFN initialization time, an SFN number, a start of a radio frame, and a start of an SRS slot; receiving the uplink signal from the UE according to the parameter set and the timing information; and The uplink signal relative arrival time ULRTOA is measured based on the received uplink signal and the reference time.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The measured UL RTOA is the difference between the reference time and the start time of the subframe containing the received uplink signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The reference time corresponds to a start time of a subframe including the uplink signal.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The reference time is determined based on the timing information, the parameter set, and an uplink signal configuration at a measurement device.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The timing information includes a radio frame initialization time indicating a start time of a radio frame zero.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The reference time is determined according to at least one of the radio frame initialization time, a system frame number of a frame including the uplink signal, or a subframe including the uplink signal. The method according to claim 1 or 5 , further comprising adjusting the reference time.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Adjusting the reference time includes: receiving a timing advance TA associated with the UE; and The TA is subtracted from the reference time.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The reference time is a configured time indicating a start time of a subframe containing the uplink signal with respect to a configurable reference time minus a timing advance.

10. A method of determining the timing of an uplink signal, the method comprising: sending a synchronization signal block SSB including a timing configuration of the measuring device; receiving an uplink signal from a user equipment UE according to the timing configuration; as well as An uplink signal relative time of arrival UL RTOA is measured based on the received uplink signal and a reference time of the uplink signal.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The reference time is the start time of radio frame i at the measuring device, where i is a non-negative integer value, and wherein the measured UL RTOA is the difference between the reference time and the start time of radio frame i calculated based on the received uplink signal.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The reference time is the start time of the time slot containing the uplink signal in radio frame j at the measuring device, where j is a non-negative integer value, and wherein the measured ULRTOA is the difference between the reference time and the start time of the time slot containing the uplink signal in radio frame j calculated based on the received uplink signal.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising adjusting the measured UL RTOA.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Adjusting the measured UL RTOA includes adding a timing advance TA associated with the UE to the measured UL RTOA.

15. A method for a user equipment UE, the method comprising: determining timing information associated with the measurement device; as well as sending an uplink signal to the measuring device according to the timing information, Wherein, determining the timing information includes: detecting a synchronization signal block SSB associated with the measuring device; and A radio frame number and a radio frame boundary associated with the measuring device are determined based on a physical broadcast channel PBCH of the SSB and content of the SSB.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The SSB is detected based on at least one of configuration information of an SSB frequency associated with the measurement device, a parameter set of the SSB, information of a measurement window of the SSB, or an identifier of the measurement device.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The information of the measurement window includes at least one of a period of the measurement window, an offset of the measurement window, or a duration of the measurement window.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The SSB is detected based on information included in a radio resource control (RRC) information element.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising obtaining a timing advance TA for transmission to the measuring device.

20. A measuring device comprising: a non-transitory memory storage device including instructions; as well as One or more processors in communication with the memory storage device, wherein the one or more processors execute the instructions to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 14.

21. A user equipment UE, comprising: a non-transitory memory storage device including instructions; as well as One or more processors in communication with the memory storage device, wherein the one or more processors execute the instructions to implement the method of any one of claims 15 to 19.

22. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein the instructions are executed by one or more processors to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

23. A computer program product, which, when run on a computer comprising one or more processors, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 19.

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