Coexistence between positioning beams and radio communication beams

Abstract

A method for associating a positioning signal with a beam transmitted in a wireless network, performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving information identifying at least one relationship between one or more positioning beams used to transmit the positioning signal and one or more radio resource management (RRM) beams used to transmit RRM signals from the wireless network; and receiving the positioning signal from the relationship between the one or more positioning beams and the one or more RRM beams through the one or more positioning beams.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wireless communication networks and, in particular, to the relationship between positioning beams and radio communication beams. Background Art

[0002] Long Term Evolution (LTE) is an umbrella term for the so-called fourth generation (4G) radio access technologies developed in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and initially standardized in Releases 8 and 9, also known as Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN). LTE targets various licensed frequency bands and is accompanied by improvements to non-radio aspects, generally referred to as System Architecture Evolution (SAE), which includes an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network. LTE continues to evolve to subsequent releases, which are developed by 3GPP and its working groups including the Radio Access Network (RAN) Working Group (WG) and sub-working groups (e.g., RAN1, RAN2, etc.) according to the standards development process.

[0003] Positioning has always been an important feature in LTE. In the LTE positioning architecture, a positioning node (referred to as an E-SMLC or location server) configures a target device (e.g., UE), an eNB, or a radio node dedicated to positioning measurement (e.g., a location measurement unit LMU) to perform one or more positioning measurements depending on the positioning method. The location of the target device is determined by the target device, by the measuring node, or by the positioning node using the positioning measurement.

[0004] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a high-level architecture for supporting UE positioning in an LTE network. In this architecture, direct interaction between the UE and the E-SMLC occurs via the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) as specified in 3GPP TS 36.355. Interaction between the E-SMLC and the eNodeB occurs via the LPPa protocol (as specified in 3GPP TS 36.455), supported to some extent by interaction between the eNodeB and the UE via the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol (as specified in 3GPP TS 36.331). The LCS-AP protocol (as specified in 3GPP TS 29.171) supports interaction between the E-SMLC and the MME, and the SLg protocol (as specified in 3GPP TS 29.172) supports interaction between the MME and the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC). The following positioning technologies are supported in LTE, as specified in 3GPP TS 36.305:

[0005] • Enhanced Cell ID. This information is used to associate the UE with the geographic area of ​​the serving cell, and the additional information is then used to determine a more granular position.

[0006] • Assisted-GNSS. The UE receives and measures Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals with the support of assistance information provided to the UE from the E-SMLC. The two subcategories are UE-based (where the UE calculates its own position) and UE-assisted (where the E-SMLC calculates the UE's position).

[0007] • OTDOA (Observed Time Difference of Arrival). The UE estimates the time difference of reference signals transmitted by different base stations (also called “reference signal time difference” or “RSTD”) and sends it to the E-SMLC for multilateration.

[0008] • UTDOA (Uplink TDOA). Requests the UE to transmit a specific waveform, which is detected at a known location by multiple location measurement units (e.g., eNBs). These measurements are forwarded to the E-SMLC for multilateration.

[0009] Figure 2 A more detailed network diagram of the LTE positioning architecture is shown. The three important elements in this architecture are the LCS Client, LCS Target, and LCS Server. The LCS Target is the entity being positioned, such as a User Equipment (UE). The LCS Client is a software and / or hardware entity that interacts with the LCS Server for the purpose of obtaining location information for one or more LCS Targets. The LCS Client may also reside in the LCS Target itself. For example, a UE may include an LCS Client that requests self-positioning. Other nodes in the 3GPP network (e.g., RAN nodes) may include an LCS Client that may request the LCS Server to locate an LCS Target operating in the 3GPP network. The LCS Client may also be located outside the 3GPP network, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0010] The LCS server is a physical or logical entity that manages the positioning of LCS targets by collecting measurements and other location information, assisting terminals in making measurements when necessary, and estimating the LCS target positions. The LCS client sends a request to the LCS server to obtain the location information of one or more LCS targets, and the LCS server manages the received requests and sends the result(s) of the request and optionally the speed estimate to the LCS client.

[0011] like Figure 2 The example LCS server shown includes an E-SMLC / GMLC and a secure user-plane location platform (SLP). The GMLC interacts with LCS clients located outside the 3GPP network on behalf of the E-SMLC. Alternatively, the external LCS client can interact directly with the UE via the SLP using the secure user plane location (SUPL) protocol.

[0012] Cell-specific reference signals were specified for UE RSTD measurements in 3GPP Rel-8. These reference signals were determined to be insufficient for OTDOA positioning, so the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) was introduced in Rel-9. The PRS is a pseudo-random, quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) sequence that is mapped in a diagonal pattern offset in frequency and time to avoid collisions with cell-specific reference signals and to avoid overlap with control channels (PDCCH).

[0013] In general, cell-specific reference signals cannot provide the required high probability of detection needed for OTDOA measurements. More specifically, the primary / secondary synchronization signals and reference signals of neighbor cells are detectable when the signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) is at least -6 dB. However, simulations have shown that even in interference-free environments, which are unlikely in real-world scenarios, this condition is only guaranteed ~70% of the time for the third best detected cell (i.e., the second best neighbor cell). Measuring only a single RSTD (e.g., between the serving cell and a single neighbor cell) is not sufficient for OTDOA positioning.

[0014] While LTE was designed primarily for user-to-user communications, 5G (also known as "NR") cellular networks are envisioned to support both high single-user data rates (e.g., 1 Gb / s), and massive machine-to-machine communications involving short burst transmissions from many different devices sharing a frequency bandwidth. The 5G radio standard (also known as "New Radio" or "NR") currently targets a wide range of data services, including eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband), URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications), and machine-type communications (MTC). These services may have different requirements and goals. For example, URLLC is designed to provide high-speed data transmission with very stringent error and latency requirements (e.g., error probabilities as low as 10 -5 For eMBB, the requirements for latency and error probability may be less stringent, but the required supported peak rate and / or spectral efficiency may be higher. In contrast, URLLC requires low latency and high reliability, but the data rate requirements are less stringent.

[0015] To support increased traffic capacity and enable the transmission bandwidth required to support very high data rate services, 5G / NR will expand the range of frequencies used for mobile communications. This includes new spectrum below 6 GHz (called "FR1") and spectrum in higher frequency bands above 24 GHz (called "FR2"). High frequency bands provide continuous large bandwidth for higher rates in data communications. However, in such high frequency bands, radio links are susceptible to rapid channel changes and suffer from severe path loss and atmospheric absorption. To address these challenges, NR base stations and UEs will use antennas that are typically highly directional for beamforming to achieve sufficient link budgets in wide area networks.

[0016] However, the use of antenna arrays in NR base stations and UEs may cause various challenges, problems and / or difficulties related to PRS-based UE measurements. Summary of the invention

[0017] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein address these problems, difficulties and / or shortcomings of existing solutions by providing a flexible but effective way to associate positioning beams and / or signals with beams and / or signals used for other purposes, such as radio resource management (RRM) and data communications. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may contribute to solutions that overcome the exemplary problems described above.

[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and / or processes for associating a positioning signal with a beam transmitted in a wireless network. The exemplary methods and / or processes may be implemented, for example, in a network node (e.g., an eNB, a gNB, an E-SMLC, a location management function (LMF), etc., or a component thereof).

[0019] In some embodiments, the exemplary methods and / or processes may include determining that one or more positioning beams are needed to carry positioning signals to one or more UEs. In some embodiments, this may include receiving a request to determine the location of one or more UEs. For example, such a request may be received from a UE, another node in the network, or an entity (e.g., an application) located outside the network via a gateway function (e.g., GMLC, LMF, etc.).

[0020] In some embodiments, the exemplary methods and / or processes may also include determining that one or more positioning beams are needed to carry positioning signals to one or more UEs. In some embodiments, this may include receiving a request to transmit a positioning beam from another node in the wireless network. For example, such a request may be received from a UE, a node in a radio access network (e.g., an NG-RAN node such as a gNB), or a node / function in a core network (CN) (e.g., a 5GC function such as an LMF).

[0021] In some embodiments, the exemplary methods and / or processes may further include determining at least one relationship between a positioning beam and one or more radio resource management (RRM) beams used to transmit RRM signals to a UE. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include coverage of the positioning beam relative to the RRM beam. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include a relationship between a positioning signal and one or more RRM signals carried by the RRM beam. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include a quasi-co-location (QCL) relationship between the positioning signal and the RRM signal. In some embodiments, the one or more RRM signals may include corresponding synchronization signals and PBCCH blocks (SSBs).

[0022] The exemplary method and / or process may also include sending information identifying at least one relationship between the positioning beam and the RRM beam to one or more other nodes in the wireless network. In some embodiments, the network node may be a base station (e.g., an eNB, a gNB, etc., or a component thereof), and the one or more other nodes may include at least one of the following: one or more UEs; and a location server (e.g., an E-SMLC, a LMF, etc.). In other embodiments, the network node may be a location server, and the one or more other nodes may include at least one of the following: one or more UEs; and one or more base stations.

[0023] In some embodiments, the exemplary methods and / or processes may further include transmitting a positioning signal and an RRM signal based on at least one relationship between the positioning beam and the RRM beam.

[0024] Other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include additional methods and / or processes for associating positioning signals with beams transmitted in a wireless network according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary methods and / or processes may be implemented by a user equipment (UE, such as a wireless device, an IoT device, etc., or a component thereof).

[0025] In some embodiments, the exemplary methods and / or processes may include receiving from a wireless network a configuration of a positioning signal to be transmitted via the wireless network. For example, the configuration may be received from the wireless network (e.g., from the LMF) as assistance data. The configuration may include various information defining the PRS and information identifying specific cells (e.g., serving cells and neighbor cells) that will transmit the PRS.

[0026] These exemplary methods and / or processes may include receiving information from a wireless network identifying at least one relationship between: one or more positioning beams for transmitting positioning signals; and one or more RRM beams for transmitting RRM signals. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include coverage of the positioning beam relative to the RRM beam. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include a relationship between the positioning signal and one or more RRM signals carried by the RRM beam. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include a QCL relationship between the positioning signal and the RRM signal. In some embodiments, the one or more RRM signals may include corresponding SSBs.

[0027] In some embodiments, the exemplary methods and / or processes may further include determining one or more positioning beams for receiving positioning signals based on the received configuration and the received at least one relationship. In some embodiments, the exemplary methods and / or processes may further include receiving positioning signals via the determined positioning beams.

[0028] Other exemplary embodiments include network nodes (e.g., eNB, gNB, E-SMLC, LMF, etc. or components thereof) and user equipment (UE, e.g., wireless device, IoT device, etc. or components thereof) configured to perform operations corresponding to the exemplary methods and / or processes described herein. Other exemplary embodiments include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, configure such network nodes or UEs to perform operations corresponding to the exemplary methods and / or processes described herein.

[0029] These and other objects, features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent after reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 A high-level architecture for supporting UE positioning in an LTE network is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 A more detailed network diagram showing the LTE positioning architecture.

[0032] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary multi-antenna transceiver device and / or apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 An exemplary downlink (DL) beam scanning arrangement between a 5G / NR base station and a UE is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 An exemplary positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods and / or processes performed by a network node (e.g., a positioning server, E-SMLC, SMLC, LMF, eNB, gNB, etc. or components thereof) according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary methods and / or processes performed by a user equipment (UE, such as a wireless device, an IoT device, etc. or a component thereof) according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating operations between a UE, a NG-RAN, and a Location Management Function (LMF) according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig. 9 A high-level view of an exemplary 5G network architecture including a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) and a 5G Core (5GC) is shown according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig.10 An exemplary non-roaming 5G reference architecture with service-based interfaces and various network functions (NFs) as further described in 3GPP TS 23.501 is shown.

[0040] Fig.11 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless device or user equipment according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig.12 is a block diagram of an exemplary network node (e.g., base station, eNB, gNB, etc.) according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig.13 is a block diagram of an exemplary network configuration that may be used to provide over-the-top (OTT) data services between a host computer and a user device according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In general, unless clearly given and / or implied different meanings from the context in which it is used, all terms used in this article will be interpreted according to their common meanings in the relevant technical field. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, all references to one (a / an) / the element, device, assembly, part, step, etc. are openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, assembly, part, step, etc. Unless a step is explicitly described as after or before another step and / or in the case where a step must be after or before another step, the steps of any method disclosed herein are not necessarily performed in the exact order disclosed. Where appropriate, any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other purposes, features and advantages of the attached embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0044] Some embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, and the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as being limited solely to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0045] As used herein, a "radio node" may be a "radio access node" or a "wireless device". A "radio access node" (or "radio network node") may be any node in a radio access network (RAN) of a cellular communication network that operates to transmit and / or receive signals wirelessly. Some examples of radio access nodes include, but are not limited to, base stations (e.g., NR base stations (gNBs) in 3GPP fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) networks or enhanced or evolved Node Bs (eNBs) in 3GPP LTE networks), high power or macro base stations, low power base stations (e.g., micro base stations, pico base stations, home eNBs, etc.), and relay nodes.

[0046] "Core network node" may be used herein to refer to any type of node in a core network. Some examples of core network nodes include, for example, a mobility management entity (MME), a packet data network gateway (P-GW), a service capability exposure function (SCEF), etc.

[0047] "Wireless device" may be used herein to refer to any type of device that accesses a cellular communication network (i.e., is served by a cellular communication network) by wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving signals to (one or more) radio access nodes. Some examples of wireless devices include, but are not limited to, UEs and machine type communication (MTC) devices in 3GPP networks.

[0048] A "network node" may be used herein to refer to any node that is any part of the radio access network or the core network of a cellular communication network / system.

[0049] “Base station” may include a physical or logical node that transmits radio signals or controls the transmission of radio signals, such as a base station, gNB, ng-eNB, transmitting radio network node, TRP, RRH, RRU, DAS (distributed antenna system), relay station, etc.

[0050] The term "positioning signal" may be used herein to include a PRS, a CSI-RS, or other reference signal or channel intended for positioning measurements.

[0051] As used herein, "positioning measurements" may include timing measurements (e.g., time difference of arrival TDOA, RSTD, time of arrival TOA, Rx-Tx, RTT, etc.), power-based measurements (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc.), and / or identifier detection / measurements (e.g., cell ID, beam ID, etc.) configured for a positioning method (e.g., OTDOA, E-CID, etc.). The UE positioning measurements may be reported to a network node or the UE may utilize the UE positioning measurements for positioning purposes.

[0052] A "positioning beam" may be used herein to include any beam that carries at least one positioning signal. A positioning beam may have its own explicit identity, or may be identified by an index associated with a particular signal carried by the beam.

[0053] "RRM beam" may be used herein to include any beam that carries at least one signal / channel or signal block intended for RRM measurements (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, DM-RS, PBCH, CORESET, etc.). An RRM beam may have its own explicit identity, or may be identified by an index associated with a specific signal carried by the beam.

[0054] "RRM measurements" may be used herein to include mobility measurements, cell identification, cell detection, SS-RSRP, SS-RSRQ, SS-SINR, CSI-RS-based RSRP, CSI-RS-based RSRQ, CSI-RS-based SINR, L1 RSRP measurements, measurements for beam management (e.g., beam failure detection or beam recovery), RLM, MDT measurements, SON measurements, etc.

[0055] The above definitions are not intended to be exclusive. In other words, various terms in the above terms may be explained and / or described elsewhere in the present disclosure using the same or similar terms.

[0056] As briefly mentioned above, the use of antenna arrays in NR base stations and UEs may cause various challenges, problems and / or difficulties related to UE reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurements based on positioning reference signals (PRS). These challenges are discussed in more detail below.

[0057] Multiple antenna techniques can be used to improve various aspects of communication systems, including system capacity (e.g., more users per unit area per unit bandwidth), coverage (e.g., larger area for a given bandwidth and number of users), and increased per-user data rates (e.g., within a given bandwidth and area). Directional antennas can also ensure better wireless links as mobile or fixed devices experience time-varying channels.

[0058] The availability of multiple antennas at the transmitter and / or receiver can be exploited in a variety of ways to achieve different goals. For example, multiple antennas can provide diversity gain to combat radio channel fading. In order to achieve diversity gain, the channels experienced by different antennas should have low cross-correlation, such as sufficiently large antenna spacing ("spatial diversity") and / or different polarization directions ("polarization diversity"). The most common multi-antenna configuration is already on the receiver side, which is usually called "receive diversity". Alternatively and / or additionally, multiple antennas can be used in the transmitter to achieve transmit diversity. A multi-antenna transmitter can achieve diversity even without any knowledge of the channel between the transmitter and the receiver, as long as there is low cross-correlation between the channels of the different transmit antennas.

[0059] In other exemplary configurations, multiple antennas at the transmitter and / or receiver may be utilized to shape or "shape" the entire antenna beam (e.g., transmit and / or receive beams, respectively) in a particular manner, with the overall goal of improving the received signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) and ultimately improving system capacity and / or coverage. This can be achieved, for example, by maximizing the overall antenna gain in the direction of the target receiver or transmitter or by suppressing specific dominant interfering signals. In general, beamforming can increase the signal strength at the receiver in proportion to the number of transmit antennas. Beamforming can be based on high or low fading correlation between antennas. High antenna cross-correlation can typically be caused by a small distance between antennas in the array. In such exemplary conditions, beamforming can improve received signal strength, but does not provide any diversity gain against radio channel fading. On the other hand, low antenna cross-correlation can typically be caused by sufficiently large inter-antenna spacing or different polarization directions in the array. If some knowledge of the downlink channels for different transmit antennas (e.g., relative channel phases) is available at the transmitter, multiple transmit antennas with lower cross-correlation can provide diversity gain and can also shape the antenna beam in the direction of the target receiver and / or transmitter.

[0060] In other configurations, having multiple antennas at both the transmitter and the receiver can further improve SINR and / or achieve additional diversity to combat fading compared to having only multiple receive antennas or multiple transmit antennas. This can be useful in relatively poor channels that are limited by, for example, interference and / or noise (e.g., high user load or near the cell edge). However, in relatively good channel conditions, the capacity of the channel tends to be saturated, so that further improving SINR provides limited capacity increase. In such cases, using multiple antennas at both the transmitter and the receiver can be used to create multiple parallel communication "channels" on the radio interface. This can help to highly efficiently utilize both available transmission power and available bandwidth, thereby, for example, resulting in very high data rates within a limited bandwidth without causing disproportionate coverage degradation. For example, in certain exemplary conditions, channel capacity can increase linearly with the increase in the number of antennas, and avoid saturation of data capacity and / or rate. These technologies are generally referred to as "spatial multiplexing" or multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna processing.

[0061] In simple terms, MIMO operation can be described mathematically as follows. r Symbol vector of information symbols s Multiply N T × r Precoder Matrix W , the precoder matrix W Used in conjunction with N T The antenna elements correspond to N T -dimensional vector space. s In r Each of the symbols corresponds to a "layer", and r This is called the transmission "rank". In this way, spatial multiplexing is achieved because multiple symbols can be transmitted simultaneously on the same resource element (RE). Usually the number of symbols r Adapt to the current channel characteristics. r -layer ("full rank") signals, receivers must use at least r A separate antenna element.

[0062] Single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) involves spatially multiplexing two or more layers to a single UE. Alternatively, multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) involves spatially multiplexing two or more layers to two or more UEs, where each UE receives one or more layers. In either case, however, the base station transmitter must employ some type of MIMO precoding in order to be able to utilize its antenna array to achieve these performance gains. The base station can derive the precoder matrix based on knowledge of the channel from each transmit antenna to each UE receive antenna. W .

[0063] For example, this can be done by the receiver (e.g., UE) measuring the amplitude and phase of a known reference signal and sending these measurements as "channel state information" (CSI) to the transmitter (e.g., base station). The known reference signal used to estimate the CSI is transmitted in association with the spatially multiplexed data. Therefore, the RS measurement provides an accurate assessment of the channel used to transmit the spatially multiplexed data symbols.

[0064] The CSI may include, for example, the amplitude and / or phase of a channel at one or more frequencies, the amplitude and / or phase of time domain multipath components of a signal via the channel, the direction of arrival of multipath components of a signal via the channel, and other direct channel measurements known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively or additionally, the CSI may include a set of transmission parameters recommended for a channel based on one or more channel measurements.

[0065] Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary multi-antenna transceiver device and / or apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the exemplary transceiver device may be a component of a UE or a wireless device, including those components described below with respect to other figures. In such exemplary applications, Figure 3 The transceiver device shown in can provide beamforming, diversity gain and spatial multiplexing in the manner described above.

[0066] Figure 3 The exemplary device shown in FIG. 3 may also include, for example, an antenna array 350, which may include a plurality of individual antenna elements arranged in a particular pattern, such as, for example, exemplary antenna elements 350a to 350i arranged in an exemplary 3×3 grid. In some exemplary embodiments, the antenna array 350 may be used as M × N Element array arrangement, where M ≥1, and N>1. In some exemplary embodiments, the antenna elements 350a to 350i may be arranged in a rectangular grid with equal spacing in one or two dimensions; however, other exemplary arrangements of elements comprising the array are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure, including non-grid and / or irregular arrangements. In addition, each element of the antenna array 350 may have a variety of physical forms, including dipoles, patches, cross dipoles, inverted F-shapes, inverted L-shapes, spirals, Yagis, diamonds, lenses, and / or any other type of antenna topology known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0067] Elements 350a-350i may utilize various polarization modes known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including horizontal, vertical, circular, and cross polarization. For example, elements 350a-350i and their arrangement in array 350 may be tailored to specific operating frequencies (e.g., 5 GHz, 10 GHz, 300 GHz, etc.) and may be used therein. Figure 3 The exemplary devices of the present invention are designed and / or configured for devices (e.g., mobile or fixed location terminals, cellular phones, handheld devices, laptop computers, tablet computers, etc.).

[0068] According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna elements 350a to 350i may be combined with other receiving and transmitting circuits comprising the exemplary device to receive and / or transmit signals, respectively. The receiving circuit may include a plurality of low noise amplifiers (LNAs) 340a to 340i, each of which may amplify the signal received from the corresponding antenna element 350a to 350i. The exemplary device may further include a plurality of receiving gain / phase controls 330a to 330i, each of which may receive the signal output from the corresponding LNA 340a to 340i. In some exemplary embodiments, the receiving gain / phase control 330 may include a receiver beamformer that may be controlled by, for example, one or more processors 300. The output of the receiving gain / phase control 330a to 330i is provided to the receiver block 310, which may include a receiving conversion circuit 315. The input of the block 310 may be at a particular radio frequency (RF), in which case the block 310 may include a circuit that may be configured to convert the signal to an intermediate frequency (IF). However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that RF to IF conversion may alternatively be performed before the signal reaches the receiver block 310. As indicated herein, references to "processor" should be understood to mean one or more processors, including one or more computer processors, signal processors, etc.

[0069] The receive conversion circuit 315 may also include one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) for sampling an input signal, such as an IF. Thus, the output of the circuit 315 may include one or more digitized sample streams provided to the baseband processor 300, which may provide one or more receiver control signals for controlling various operational aspects of, for example, the receive gain / phase controls 330a to 330i, the receive conversion circuit 315, and the like.

[0070] Similarly, the processor 300 may provide one or more digitized sample streams to the transmitter block 320, which may include a transmit conversion block 325 and one or more digital to analog converters (DACs). The output of the block 320 (e.g., the output of the transmit conversion block 325) may include a plurality of analog signals, each of which may be at RF or IF, as described above for the receive circuit. Each analog signal output output by the transmitter block 320 may be applied to a corresponding transmit gain / phase control 335a to 335i. The processor 300 may also provide one or more transmitter control signals for controlling various operational aspects of, for example, the transmit gain / phase controls 335a to 335i, the transmit conversion block 325, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the transmit gain / phase control 335 may include a transmit beamformer that may be controlled by, for example, the processor 300. Each signal output by the transmit gain / phase control 335a to 335i may be applied to a corresponding transmit power amplifier (PA) 345a to 345i. The amplified output of the PA may be applied to respective corresponding antenna array elements 350a through 350i.

[0071] In some embodiments, processor 300 may utilize direction of arrival estimates or other available information to determine appropriate weights (e.g., W R or W T ), so that the antenna array 350 generates one or more beam patterns pointing in a specific angular direction relative to the antenna array. Figure 3 As shown, by applying appropriate weights (e.g., W R or W T ), antenna array 350 may capture signals and / or multipath components incident in the directions of arrival corresponding to beams 360a and 360b, while rejecting signals and / or multipath components incident in other directions of arrival. In other exemplary embodiments, the weights may include and / or be incorporated into a precoder matrix that helps direct one or more beams to a specific angular direction (e.g., for beam scanning) or to another device (e.g., a base station) located at a specific location.

[0072] The processor 300 may use weights corresponding to the desired angular directions (e.g., W R or W T ) to program and / or configure the receive gain / phase control 330 and / or the transmit gain / phase control 335. The processor 300 may determine the weights using various beam steering or beam forming algorithms known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including parameterized algorithms and codebook-based algorithms. According to various exemplary embodiments, the receive gain / phase control 330 and / or the transmit gain / phase control 335 may include one or more programmable amplifiers that modify the amplitude and / or phase of the signal (e.g., at RF or IF) from the array elements 350a to 350i. When gain or phase adjustment of the signal to / from the array elements 350a to 350i is not required, the processor 300 may program the corresponding elements of the controls 330 and / or 335 to unity gain / zero phase.

[0073] The processor 300 may include one or more general purpose microprocessors, one or more special purpose microprocessors, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and / or one or more other types of computer arrangements known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the processor 300 may be programmed and / or configured to perform the functions described herein by executable software code stored in an accessible memory or other type of computer readable medium. In some exemplary embodiments, such executable software code may be utilized to permanently program and / or configure the memory and / or other computer readable medium (e.g., including RAM, ROM, memory sticks, floppy disk drives, memory cards, etc.), while in other exemplary embodiments, the memory or computer readable medium may have the executable software code downloaded and / or configured.

[0074] The receive switching circuit 315 and the transmit switching circuit 325 may be configured in various ways with respect to the antenna elements 350a-i. In an exemplary digital beamforming architecture, the signal from (or to) each antenna element is processed by a separate ADC (or DAC) and receive (or transmit) chain, so that the processing of the receive signal can be performed entirely in the digital domain. This exemplary architecture potentially allows beams to be steered in unlimited directions, can support any number of spatial streams, and can provide spatial division multiplexing for simultaneous delivery to multiple devices.

[0075] In an exemplary analog beamforming architecture, analog signals from (or to) antenna elements are first combined by an analog phased array at a radio frequency (RF) or intermediate frequency (IF, e.g., before or after a mixer). The combined signal can then be processed by a single A / D (or D / A) converter. Since this design only requires one A / D or D / A, it can consume less power than an all-digital approach. However, analog phased arrays can only be oriented in one direction at a time, limiting multi-access and search capabilities.

[0076] In an exemplary hybrid beamforming architecture, the available antenna elements may be divided into N Clusters, each with multiple elements. In the receiver, the signals from all antenna elements in the cluster are combined into a single analog signal, which is then digitized individually using a single ADC. In the transmitter, a single DAC can generate a composite analog signal, which is then split into multiple signals, each fed to one antenna element of the cluster. Each cluster can generate simultaneous beams independently of the other clusters, allowing the device to N Simultaneous transmission / reception in two directions N A simulated beam.

[0077] Generally speaking, a base station employing a multi-antenna array can cover its service geographical area through a set of beams transmitted and received in a downlink (DL) at predefined intervals and directions. Figure 4 An exemplary downlink (DL) beam-scanning arrangement between an NR base station and a UE is shown. In this exemplary beam-scanning arrangement, the base station transmits a time sequence of synchronization signals and physical broadcast control channel (SSB) blocks labeled SSB1-SSB5. Each SSB is associated with a specific beam used for communication and radio resource management (RRM), and the specific beams are labeled 1-5 to correspond to SSB 1-5. Each beam 1-5 is transmitted for a predetermined duration and in sequence based on the corresponding timing of SSB 1-5. Other reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS) may be transmitted in the same beam as the SSB. In addition, each beam has an identifier associated with the reference signal carried by that particular beam.

[0078] In this way, the base station can sweep the coverage area within the combined transmission duration of all five beams. Based on the knowledge of the corresponding beams, the UE can measure the corresponding SSBs and select one of the beams as the "best" based on the associated SSB measurements according to some criteria.

[0079] As briefly mentioned above, due to insufficient detectability of cell-specific reference signals, Positioning Reference Signals (PRS) were introduced in LTE Rel-9 in order to support UE RSTD measurements for OTDOA positioning.

[0080] In LTE, PRS is transmitted in predefined positioning opportunities, each of which contains Nprs consecutive subframes. Positioning opportunities occur periodically with a period Tprs. As defined in 3GPP TS 36.211, Nprs can be 1, 2, 4 or 6, and Tprs can be 160, 320, 640 or 1280 ms. In addition, the PRS opportunity is defined by a subframe offset Δprs relative to subframe 0 (the starting point of the radio frame). Other PRS parameters include the opportunity group length (e.g., how many times the PRS opportunity will occur) and the PRS muting mode (e.g., a bit pattern that specifies when the PRS will be muted during the PRS opportunity). In LTE, PRS is transmitted only on antenna port 6 and is defined only for SCS = 15 kHz.

[0081] Figure 5 An exemplary LTE PRS configuration of Nprs = 4, Δprs = 3, and Tprs = 640 ms is shown. Figure 5 The bottom portion shows the PRS to be included in Figure 5 The top portion of FIG. 4 shows the mapping of resource elements (RS) transmitted during the 14 time slots of the first positioning subframe of the first positioning opportunity. Figure 5 As shown, within each subframe, the PRS is mapped in a diagonal pattern with an offset in frequency and time to avoid collision with the cell-specific reference signal and PBCCH, and avoid overlapping with the PDCCH.

[0082] In NR, in addition to using beams for communication and RRM, it is also expected that NR will employ beam-based PRS transmission, especially for FR2 regions (i.e., 24 GHz and above). If so, such beams will have beam identifiers based on the PRS they carry, similar to the identifiers of communication / RRM beams discussed above. In addition, there needs to be some mapping between beams used for positioning and beams used for communication / RRM (hereinafter referred to as "RRM beams").

[0083] Additionally, the term "positioning beam" is used to refer to a beam that transmits a PRS or other signal intended for positioning measurements, and / or a beam used for positioning purposes (such as measurements to support OTDOA or AOA positioning methods). In contrast, RRM beams carrying SSB or CSI-RS are primarily used for UE RRM measurements, cell identification, and mobility.

[0084] However, for NR, the mapping relationship between positioning beams and RRM beams has not been defined. For example, it has not been specified whether there will always be a common beam for both positioning and RRM, and if so, what the beam identifier should be. In addition, it has not been specified whether all RRM beams carrying SSBs should also carry SSBs. Furthermore, in the case where the positioning beams are separated from the RRM beams, it has not been specified how the UE should receive signals (e.g., SSBs and PRSs) in the corresponding beams. More generally, the relationship between positioning beams and RRM beams remains unspecified.

[0085] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may address these and other challenges, problems, and / or difficulties by providing a UE with flexible techniques for unambiguously determining beams for transmitting PRS and other communication-related (e.g., RRM) signals and data. For example, such techniques allow a UE to determine and use relationships between positioning beams and RRM beams. In addition, such techniques allow a network node to determine such beam relationships and indicate the determined relationships to the UE and / or other nodes in the network.

[0086] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method and / or process for associating a positioning signal with a beam transmitted in a wireless network according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 The exemplary methods and / or processes shown in the may be implemented in, for example, a network node (e.g., eNB, gNB, E-SMLC, LMF, etc.) shown in or described with respect to other figures in this document. In addition, Figure 6 The exemplary methods and / or processes described in the present invention may be used in conjunction with the exemplary methods and / or processes described herein (e.g., Figure 7 ) are used in conjunction with the other exemplary methods and / or processes described in order to provide the various exemplary benefits described herein. Figure 6 The blocks are shown in a particular order, but the order is exemplary only, and the operations of the exemplary methods and / or processes may be performed in an order different from that shown and may be combined and / or divided into blocks having functionality different from that shown. Optional operations are indicated by dashed lines.

[0087] In some embodiments, the exemplary method and / or process may include the operation of block 610, in which the network node may determine that one or more positioning beams are required to carry positioning signals to one or more UEs. In some embodiments, the operation of block 610 may include the operation of sub-block 612, in which the network node may receive a request to determine the position of one or more UEs. For example, such a request may be received from a UE, another node in the network, or an entity (e.g., an application) located outside the network via a gateway function (e.g., GMLC, LMF, etc.).

[0088] In some embodiments, the operation of block 610 may include the operation of sub-block 614, in which the network node may determine the configuration of the positioning signal. The configuration may include one or more of the following: a cell in a wireless network, a direction, a frequency range, a frequency bandwidth, a duration, and a periodicity. These and other aspects of block 610 will be explained in more detail below.

[0089] The need for positioning signals may be based on the need to locate one or more UEs, for example, based on a request from a UE or another network node or external entity. In addition, determining the need for positioning signals may include determining the necessary positioning signal configuration (e.g., in which cell, in which direction, bandwidth, time and / or frequency resources, bandwidth portion, etc.) and whether the already configured positioning signals (if any) are sufficient to meet or include the necessary positioning signal configuration. The determination of necessity and / or sufficiency may be based on, for example, measurements (e.g., indicating the serving and / or best cell or beam, the rough UE location or direction where the UE is located is a location, floor, city block, etc.), measurement requirements or measurement accuracy requirements (e.g., minimum bandwidth, number of samples or positioning signal opportunities, signal density in time and / or frequency, signal periodicity, positioning signal opportunity length or number of continuous positioning signal resources, etc.), expected positioning accuracy or uncertainty (e.g., depending on the positioning method, application, purpose, etc.), etc.

[0090] In some embodiments, the exemplary method and / or process may include the operation of block 620, in which the network node may determine that one or more positioning beams are required to carry positioning signals to one or more UEs. In some embodiments, the operation of block 620 may include the operation of sub-block 622, in which the network node may receive a request to transmit a positioning beam from another node in the wireless network. For example, such a request may be received from a UE, a node in a radio access network (RAN) (e.g., an NG-RAN node such as a gNB), or a node / function in a core network (CN) (e.g., a 5GC function such as an LMF).

[0091] In some embodiments, determining the need for positioning beams may be based on a configuration of positioning signals. For example, such a configuration may be received with the request (e.g., in sub-block 622). Similar to block 614, the configuration may include one or more of: a cell in a wireless network, a direction, a frequency range, a frequency bandwidth, a duration, and a periodicity. These and other aspects of block 620 will be explained in more detail below.

[0092] The need for positioning beams may be based on whether directional transmissions are needed within the cell and / or whether such transmissions are already configured and sufficient. This determination may be based on a request for beam-based transmissions from another node, or may depend on the positioning method, the desired position accuracy and / or uncertainty, the frequency range (e.g., FR2 versus FR1), the availability of a rough UE location (e.g., indicating a subset of directions in which positioning signals need to be transmitted), etc.

[0093] In some embodiments, the exemplary method and / or process may include the operation of block 630, in which the network node may determine at least one relationship between a positioning beam and one or more radio resource management (RRM) beams used to transmit RRM signals to a UE. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include coverage of the positioning beam relative to the RRM beam. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include a relationship between the positioning signal and one or more RRM signals carried by the RRM beam. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include a quasi-co-location (QCL) relationship between the positioning signal and the RRM signal. In some embodiments, the one or more RRM signals may include corresponding synchronization signals and PBCCH blocks (SSBs).

[0094] In some embodiments, the operations of block 630 may include the operations of sub-block 632, in which the network node may determine that at least a portion of the RRM beam may carry a positioning signal. In some embodiments, the operations of block 630 may include the operations of sub-block 634, in which the network node may receive an indication of the at least one relationship from another node in the wireless network. For example, such an indication may be received from a node in the RAN (e.g., an NG-RAN node such as a gNB) or a node / function in the CN (e.g., a 5GC function such as an LMF). These and other aspects of block 630 will be explained in more detail below.

[0095] Generally speaking, determining the relationship between the RRM beam and the positioning beam may be based on one or more of the following:

[0096] • a message received from another node indicating a relationship;

[0097] • Determine / configure the association of the positioning signal with one or more RRM signals / channels characterizing an RRM beam (e.g., using a specific SSB);

[0098] • Determine / configure the similarity of propagation or channel characteristics between the positioning signal and one or more RRM signals / channels characterizing the RRM beam (e.g., assuming some type of quasi-co-location (QCL) between the positioning signal and the RRM signal or CORESET);

[0099] • Default or predefined configuration, for example, the number of positioning beams is the same as the number of SSBs, and positioning signal resources can be associated with corresponding SSB resources, in which case either all RRM beams can carry the corresponding positioning signals or a subset of RRM beams can carry the positioning signals;

[0100] • Determine / configure whether the coverage of the positioning beam is the same as or different from the coverage of the RRM beam;

[0101] • Determine / configure the number / set of configurable positioning beams (e.g., up to N_pos beams) to be different from the number / set of configurable RRM beams (e.g., up to N_RRM beams, where in FR2, N_RRM≤64 and in FR1, N_RRM≤8), which suggests that the positioning beams are different and / or have different coverage than the RRM beams. For example, N_pos > N_RRM may suggest a narrower positioning beam, or NR_pos < N_RRM may suggest a wider positioning beam.

[0102] The exemplary method and / or process may include the operation of block 940, in which the network node may send information identifying at least one relationship between a positioning beam and an RRM beam to one or more other nodes in the wireless network. In some embodiments, the network node may be a base station (e.g., an eNB, a gNB, etc., or a component thereof), and the one or more other nodes may include at least one of: one or more UEs, and a location server (e.g., an E-SMLC, a LMF, etc.). In other embodiments, the network node may be a location server, and the one or more other nodes may include at least one of: one or more UEs, and one or more base stations. These and other aspects of block 640 will be explained in more detail below.

[0103] For example, a network node (e.g., gNB) may use the NRPPa protocol to inform another network node (e.g., LMF) about various indexes that have been used for beams. If a particular beam is used for RRM, then the SSB index and / or CSI-RS index may be included, and if the beam is transmitting a positioning signal, then the PRS index may be included. For beams that may transmit both RRM and positioning, a mapping of the beams or all associated IDs may be sent to the LMF. The LMF may send such information to the UE via, for example, LPP.

[0104] As another example, if the beam transmits only PRS, the gNB may inform the LMF about the positioning beam and the corresponding RRM beam via the NRPPa protocol. More specifically, an additional information element (IE) may be included in the NRPPa to indicate the corresponding RRM beam with respect to the PRS beam.

[0105] As another example, to minimize signaling overhead, a flag (ie, a Boolean enumerated ASN.1 data type) is included in the NRPPa message, where a 1 / 0 value indicates whether the beam is used for any other purpose than positioning.

[0106] As another example, the LMF may forward such information received from the gNB via NRPPa to the UE via LPP. Alternatively, the UE may obtain the beam relations from the gNB via RRC signaling, such as when the gNB may have a certain degree of location server functionality. In addition, the method may also be used for UL beam relations, such as UL SRS beams that can be used for both positioning and RRM.

[0107] In some embodiments, the exemplary method and / or process may also include the operations of block 650, where the network node may transmit a positioning signal and an RRM signal based on at least one relationship between a positioning beam and an RRM beam.

[0108] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method and / or process for associating a positioning signal with a beam transmitted in a wireless network according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 The exemplary methods and / or processes shown in the may be implemented by a user equipment (UE, such as a wireless device, IoT device, etc. or a component thereof) such as shown in other figures herein or described with respect to other figures herein. Figure 7 The exemplary methods and / or processes shown may be used in conjunction with those described herein (e.g., Figure 6 ) are used in conjunction with the other exemplary methods and / or processes described in order to provide the various exemplary benefits described herein. Figure 7 The blocks are shown in a particular order, but the order is exemplary only, and the operations of the exemplary method and / or process may be performed in an order different from that shown and may be combined and / or divided into blocks having different functionality than that shown. Optional operations are indicated by dashed lines.

[0109] In some embodiments, the exemplary method and / or process may include the operation of block 710, in which the UE may receive from the wireless network a configuration of a positioning signal to be transmitted by the wireless network. For example, the configuration may be received from the wireless network (e.g., from the LMF) as assistance data. The configuration may include various information defining the PRS (such as the information discussed above) and information identifying specific cells (e.g., serving cells and neighbor cells) that will transmit the PRS.

[0110] An exemplary method and / or process may include the operation of block 720, in which the UE may receive from a wireless network information identifying at least one relationship between: one or more positioning beams for transmitting positioning signals; and one or more radio resource management (RRM) beams for transmitting RRM signals. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include coverage of the positioning beam relative to the RRM beam. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include a relationship between the positioning signal and one or more RRM signals carried by the RRM beam. In some embodiments, the at least one relationship may include a quasi-co-location (QCL) relationship between the positioning signal and the RRM signal. In some embodiments, the one or more RRM signals may include corresponding synchronization signals and PBCCH blocks (SSBs). In some embodiments, the information identifying each relationship may include an index of a particular positioning beam and an index of one or more corresponding RRM beams.

[0111] For example, the at least one relationship may be determined based on a message or assistance data from a location server and / or a base station. Similarly, the UE may also combine information received from a base station and a location server to perform positioning measurements. The relationship may be determined based on the same principles as described above with respect to the network node embodiment.

[0112] The exemplary method and / or process may also include the operation of block 730, in which the UE may determine one or more positioning beams for receiving the positioning signal based on the received configuration and the received at least one relationship. In some embodiments, the operation of block 730 may include the operation of sub-block 732, in which the UE may determine one or more RRM beams carrying the positioning signal.

[0113] In some embodiments, the exemplary methods and / or processes may further include the operation of block 740, in which the UE may receive the positioning signal via the determined positioning beam. In some embodiments, the operation of block 740 may include the operation of sub-block 742, in which the UE may receive the positioning signal and the one or more RRM signals via the determined one or more RRM beams. In other words, the UE may receive both the positioning and RRM signals via the same (one or more) RRM beams.

[0114] With respect to the operations in blocks 730-740, the UE may utilize the determined relationship to receive (one or more) positioning signals and perform corresponding positioning measurements. For example, the UE may adapt its receiver configuration, measurement process, and / or processing / combination of received samples. In some cases, the UE may also need to meet one or more performance requirements related to positioning measurements, such as accuracy and measurement time. These may also be adapted based on (one or more) determined beam relationships. In addition, the requirements may be different for situations where the positioning beam is the same as the RRM beam, compared to situations where the positioning beam is different from the RRM beam. For example, when the beams are the same, the UE may be able to receive RRM signals and positioning signals at the same time, while if the beams are different, the UE may only receive RRM signals or only receive positioning signals at any given time. In situations where the signals overlap in time, the UE may need to prioritize one signal relative to another.

[0115] Figure 8 Shown as Figure 6-7 More specifically, Figure 8 1 is a flowchart illustrating interactive operations between a UE, a NG-RAN, and a location management function (LMF) in a 5G core (5GC) network according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Although the determination of beam relations is shown as being performed by the NG-RAN, this is only exemplary and the operation may be performed by the LMF or any other logical node.

[0116] Although various embodiments are described herein above in terms of methods, apparatuses, devices, computer-readable media, and receivers, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that such methods may be implemented in various combinations of hardware and software in various systems, communication devices, computing devices, control devices, devices, non-transitory computer-readable media, etc.

[0117] Fig. 9 It shows that the above Figures 6 to 8A high-level view of an exemplary 5G network architecture of an embodiment of the present disclosure is described, which includes a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) 999 and a 5G core (5GC) 998. As shown, the NG-RAN 999 may include gNBs 910 (e.g., 910a, b) and ng-eNBs 920 (e.g., 920a, b), which are interconnected to each other via corresponding Xn interfaces. The gNBs and ng-eNBs are also connected to the 5GC 998 via NG interfaces, more specifically, to AMFs (Access and Mobility Management Functions) 930 (e.g., AMFs 930a, b) via corresponding NG-C interfaces, and to UPFs (User Plane Functions) 940 (e.g., UPFs 940a, b) via corresponding NG-U interfaces.

[0118] NG-RAN 999 is layered into the Radio Network Layer (RNL) and the Transport Network Layer (TNL). The NG-RAN architecture (i.e., NG-RAN logical nodes and the interfaces between them) is defined as part of the RNL. For each NG-RAN interface (NG, Xn, F1), the relevant TNL protocols and functionality are specified. TNL provides services for user plane transport and signaling transport. In some exemplary configurations, each gNB can be connected to all 5GC nodes within the "AMF area" defined in 3GPP TS 23.501. If security protection of CP and UP data on the TNL of the NG-RAN interface is supported, NDS / IP (3GPP TS33.401) can be applied.

[0119] Each of the gNBs 910a, b may support an NR radio interface, including frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), or a combination thereof. In contrast, each of the ng-eNBs 920a, b supports an LTE radio interface, but unlike conventional LTE eNBs, they are connected to the 5GC via an NG interface. In addition, the gNBs 910a, b and ng-eNBs 920a, b may provide multi-RAT (radio access technology) dual connectivity (MR-DC) to the UE as described above, including NG-RAN E-UTRA / NR dual connectivity (NGEN-DC).

[0120] Each of the gNBs 910a, b may include a central (or centralized) unit (CU or gNB-CU) and one or more distributed (or decentralized) units (DU or gNB-DU). Fig. 9Each of the en-gNBs 920a, b shown may include a CU and one or more DUs. The CU is a logical node that hosts higher layer protocols and performs various gNB functions such as controlling the operation of the DU. Similarly, the DU is a logical node that hosts lower layer protocols and may include various subsets of gNB functions depending on the functional split. Therefore, each of the CU and DU may include various circuits required to perform their respective functions, including processing circuits, transceiver circuits (e.g., for communication), and power supply circuits. In addition, the terms "central unit" and "centralized unit" may be used interchangeably herein, and the terms "distributed unit" and "distributed unit" may also be used interchangeably.

[0121] Another change in 5G networks (e.g., 5GC) is that traditional point-to-point interfaces and protocols (e.g., those found in LTE / EPC networks) are modified by the so-called service-based architecture (SBA), in which a network function (NF) provides one or more services to one or more service consumers. This SBA model (which further adopts principles such as modularity, reusability, and self-containment of NFs) enables deployments to take advantage of the latest virtualization and software technologies.

[0122] Generally speaking, an NF service is a type of capability opened by one NF (service producer) to other authorized NFs (service consumers) through a service-based interface (SBI). An NF service may support one or more NF service operations. For example, access to these various services may be provided through a Hypertext Transfer Protocol / Representational State Transfer (HTTP / REST) ​​application programming interface (API). Generally speaking, various services are self-contained functionalities that can be changed and modified in an isolated manner without affecting other services. In addition, services consist of various "service operations", which are finer-grained divisions of the overall service functionality. In order to access a service, both the service name and the target service operation must be indicated. The interaction between a service consumer and a producer may be of the type of "request / response" or "subscription / notification".

[0123] Fig.10 An exemplary non-roaming 5G reference architecture with service-based interfaces and various 3GPP-defined NFs within the control plane (CP) is shown, which includes:

[0124] • Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) with Namf interface;

[0125] • Session Management Function (SMF) with Nsmf interface;

[0126] • User Plane Function (UPF) with Nupf interface;

[0127] • Policy Control Function (PCF) with Npcf interface;

[0128] • Network Open Function (NEF) with Nnef interface;

[0129] • Network Repository Function (NRF) with Nnrf interface;

[0130] • Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) with Nnssf interface;

[0131] • Authentication Server Function (AUSF) with Nausf interface;

[0132] • Application Function (AF) with Naf interface;

[0133] • Location Management Function (LMF) with Nlmf interface; and

[0134] • Unified Data Management (UDM) with Nudm interface.

[0135] UDM is similar to the HSS in the LTE / EPC network discussed above. UDM supports the generation of 3GPP AKA authentication credentials, user identity handling, access authorization based on subscription data, and other subscriber-related functions. To provide this functionality, UDM uses subscription data (including authentication data) stored in the 5GC Unified Data Repository (UDR). In addition to UDM, UDR also supports the storage and retrieval of policy data through PCF and the storage and retrieval of application data through NEF.

[0136] It will be possible to build services in 5GC in a stateless manner so that business logic and data context will be separated. This means that services store their context externally in a proprietary database. This can help with various cloud infrastructure features, such as auto-scaling or auto-repair. NRF allows each NF to discover services provided by other NFs, and the Data Storage Function (DSF) allows each NF to store its context. In addition, NEF also provides exposure of 5GC capabilities and events to application functions (AFs) located inside and outside 5GC. For example, NEF provides services that allow AFs to supply specific subscription data (e.g., expected UE behavior) for various UEs.

[0137] Fig.11 A block diagram of an exemplary wireless device or user equipment (UE) 1100 that may be configured in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, including instructions on a computer-readable medium to perform operations corresponding to one or more exemplary methods and / or processes described herein above.

[0138] The exemplary device 1100 may include a processor 1110, which may be operatively connected to a program memory 1140 and / or a data memory 1150 via a bus 1170, which may include a parallel address and data bus, a serial port, or other methods and / or structures known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The program memory 1140 may store software codes, programs and / or instructions executed by the processor 1110 (in Fig.11 1141), the software codes, programs and / or instructions may configure and / or facilitate the device 1100 to perform various operations, including the exemplary methods and / or processes described herein, such as the above-mentioned Figure 7 Those exemplary methods and / or processes described.

[0139] More generally, program memory 1140 may store software codes or programs executed by processor 1110 that facilitate, enable and / or program exemplary device 1100 to communicate using one or more wired or wireless communication protocols, including: one or more wireless communication protocols standardized by 3GPP, 3GPP2 or IEEE, such as those commonly referred to as 5G / NR, LTE, LTE-A, UMTS, HSPA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 1xRTT, CDMA2000, 802.11 WiFi, HDMI, USB, Firewire, etc.; or any other current or future protocol that may be used in conjunction with radio transceiver 1140, user interface 1150 and / or host interface 1160.

[0140] As a more specific example, the processor 1110 may execute program code stored in the program memory 1140, which corresponds to MAC, RLC, PDCP, and RRC layer protocols standardized by 3GPP (e.g., for NR and / or LTE). As another example, the processor 1110 may execute program code stored in the program memory 1140, which together with the radio transceiver 1140 implements corresponding PHY layer protocols, such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), and single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA).

[0141] The program memory 1140 may also store software code that is executed by the processor 1110 to control the functions of the device 1100, including configuring and controlling various components, such as the radio transceiver 1140, the user interface 1150, and / or the host interface 1160. The program memory 1140 may also store one or more applications and / or modules including computer executable instructions that embody any exemplary method and / or process described herein. Such software code may be specified or written using any known or future developed programming language, such as, for example, Java, C++, C, Objective C, HTML, XHTML, machine code, and assembly language, as long as the desired functionality, such as the functionality defined by the method steps implemented, is retained. Additionally or alternatively, the program memory 1140 may include an external storage arrangement (not shown) remote from the device 1110, from which instructions may be downloaded to the program memory 1140 located within the device 1110 or removably coupled to the device 1110 to enable execution of such instructions.

[0142] The data memory 1150 may include a memory area for the processor 1110 to store variables used in the protocol, configuration, control and other functions of the device 1100 (including operations corresponding to or including any exemplary method and / or process described herein). In addition, the program memory 1140 and / or the data memory 1150 may include non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic RAM), or a combination thereof. In addition, the data memory 1150 may include a memory slot through which a removable memory card of one or more formats (e.g., SD card, memory stick, compact flash, etc.) may be inserted and removed. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processor 1110 may include multiple individual processors (including, for example, multi-core processors), each of which implements a portion of the functionality described above. In such cases, the multiple individual processors may be connected to the program memory 1140 and the data memory 1150 together, or individually connected to multiple individual program memories and / or data memories. More generally, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various protocols and other functionality of device 1100 may be implemented in many different computer arrangements including different combinations of hardware and software, including but not limited to application processors, signal processors, general purpose processors, multi-core processors, ASICs, fixed and / or programmable digital circuits, analog baseband circuits, radio frequency circuits, software, firmware, and middleware.

[0143] The radio transceiver 1140 may include radio frequency transmitter and / or receiver functionality that facilitates the apparatus 1100 to communicate with other devices supporting, for example, wireless communication standards and / or protocols. In some exemplary embodiments, the radio transceiver 1140 includes a transmitter and a receiver that enable the apparatus 1100 to communicate with various 5G / NR networks in accordance with various protocols and / or methods proposed for standardization by 3GPP and / or other standards bodies. For example, such functionality may operate in cooperation with the processor 1110 to implement a PHY layer based on OFDM, OFDMA, and / or SC-FDMA techniques such as those described herein with respect to other figures. In some exemplary embodiments, the radio transceiver 1140 may include a PHY layer that is configured to receive and transmit signals from the apparatus 1100 and / or receive signals from the apparatus 1100. Figure 6 As shown in and referenced above Figure 6 Some or all of the receiver functionality described.

[0144] In some exemplary embodiments, the radio transceiver 1140 includes an LTE transmitter and receiver that can facilitate the device 1100 to communicate with various LTE, Advanced-LTE (LTE-A), and / or NR networks in accordance with standards promulgated by 3GPP. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the radio transceiver 1140 includes the necessary circuits, firmware, etc. for the device 1100 to communicate with various 5G / NR, LTE, LTE-A, UMTS, and / or GSM / EDGE networks also in accordance with 3GPP standards. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the radio transceiver 1140 includes the necessary circuits, firmware, etc. for the device 1100 to communicate with various CDMA2000 networks in accordance with 3GPP2 standards.

[0145] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the radio transceiver 1140 is capable of communicating using a radio technology operating in an unlicensed frequency band, such as IEEE 802.14 WiFi operating at frequencies in the 2.4, 5.14, and / or 140 GHz regions. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the radio transceiver 1140 may include a transceiver capable of wired communications, such as by using IEEE 802.3 Ethernet technology. The functionality specific to each of these embodiments may be coupled to or controlled by other circuits in the device 1100, such as the processor 1110 executing program code stored in the program memory 1140 together with or with the support of the data memory 1150.

[0146] The user interface 1150 may take various forms depending on the specific embodiment of the device 1100, or may disappear completely from the device 1100. In some exemplary embodiments, the user interface 1150 may include a microphone, a speaker, a slidable button, a depressible button, a display, a touch screen display, a mechanical or virtual keypad, a mechanical or virtual keyboard, and / or any other user interface features commonly found on mobile phones. In other embodiments, the device 1100 may include a tablet computing device including a larger touch screen display. In such embodiments, one or more mechanical features of the user interface 1150 may be replaced by similar or functionally equivalent virtual user interface features (e.g., virtual keypads, virtual buttons, etc.) implemented using a touch screen display, as is familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art. In other embodiments, the device 1100 may be a digital computing device, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a workstation, etc., which includes a mechanical keyboard that may be integrated, detachable, or detachable depending on the specific exemplary embodiment. Such a digital computing device may also include a touch screen display. Many exemplary embodiments of the device 1100 with a touch screen display are capable of receiving user input, such as input related to the exemplary methods and / or processes described herein, or otherwise known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0147] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, device 1100 may include an orientation sensor that can be used in various ways for the features and functions of device 1100. For example, device 1100 may use the output of the orientation sensor to determine when a user has changed the physical orientation of the touch screen display of device 1100. The indication signal from the orientation sensor may be available to any application executed on device 1100, so that when the indication signal indicates that the physical orientation of the device has changed by approximately 140 degrees, the application may automatically change the orientation of the screen display (e.g., from portrait to landscape). In this exemplary manner, the application may maintain the screen display in a manner that can be read by the user, regardless of the physical orientation of the device. In addition, the output of the orientation sensor may be used in conjunction with various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0148] The control interface 1160 of the device 1100 may take various forms, depending on the particular exemplary embodiment of the device 1100 and the particular interface requirements of other devices with which the device 1100 is intended to communicate and / or control. For example, the control interface 1160 may include an RS-232 interface, an RS-485 interface, a USB interface, an HDMI interface, a Bluetooth interface, an IEEE 14144 ("Firewire") interface, an I 2C interface, PCMCIA interface, etc. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control interface 1160 may include an IEEE 802.3 Ethernet interface such as described above. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control interface 1160 may include an analog interface circuit including, for example, one or more digital to analog (D / A) and / or analog to digital (A / D) converters.

[0149] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the above list of features, interfaces, and radio frequency communication standards is merely exemplary and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the device 1100 may include more than Fig.11 1100, including, for example, a video and / or still image camera, a microphone, a media player and / or a recorder, etc. In addition, the radio transceiver 1140 may include the necessary circuitry to communicate using additional radio frequency communication standards including Bluetooth, GPS, and / or other standards. In addition, the processor 1110 may execute software code stored in the program memory 1140 to control such additional functionality. For example, the directional velocity and / or azimuth estimate output from the GPS receiver may be available to any application executing on the device 1100, including various exemplary methods and / or computer-readable media according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0150] Fig.12 A block diagram of an exemplary network node 1200 that may be configured according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, including those described above with reference to other figures, is shown. In some exemplary embodiments, the network node 1200 may include a base station, an eNB, a gNB, or a component thereof. The network node 1200 includes a processor 1210 operably connected to a program memory 1220 and a data memory 1230 via a bus 1270, which may include a parallel address and data bus, a serial port, or other methods and / or structures known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor 1210 may include Figure 3 Some or all of the functionality of processor 300 as shown in and discussed in more detail above.

[0151] Program memory 1220 may store software codes, programs and / or instructions (in Fig.12 The software codes, programs and / or instructions may configure and / or facilitate the network node 1200 to perform operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure (including one or more exemplary methods and / or processes discussed above, such as those described above). Figure 6 and Figure 8The program memory 1220 may also store software code executed by the processor 1210, which may facilitate and, in particular, configure the network node 1200 to communicate with one or more other devices using other protocols or protocol layers, such as one or more of the following: PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, and RRC layer protocols standardized by 3GPP for LTE, LTE-A, and / or NR, or any other higher layer protocol used in conjunction with the radio network interface 1240 and the core network interface 1250. The program memory 1220 may also store software code executed by the processor 1210 to control the functions of the network node 1200, including configuring and controlling various components such as the radio network interface 1240 and the core network interface 1250.

[0152] The data memory 1230 may include a memory area for the processor 1210 to store variables used in the protocols, configurations, controls, and other functions of the network node 1200. Therefore, the program memory 1220 and the data memory 1230 may include non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk, etc.), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic RAM), network-based (e.g., "cloud") storage devices, or a combination thereof. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processor 1210 may include multiple separate processors (not shown), each of which implements a portion of the functionality described above. In such cases, the multiple separate processors may be connected to the program memory 1220 and the data memory 1230 together, or individually connected to multiple separate program memories and / or data memories. More generally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various protocols and other functions of the network node 1200 may be implemented in many different combinations of hardware and software, including but not limited to application processors, signal processors, general-purpose processors, multi-core processors, ASICs, fixed digital circuits, programmable digital circuits, analog baseband circuits, radio frequency circuits, software, firmware, and middleware.

[0153] The radio network interface 1240 may include transmitters, receivers, signal processors, ASICs, antennas, beamforming units, and other circuits that enable the network node 1200 to communicate with other devices, such as, in some embodiments, multiple compatible user equipments (UEs). In some exemplary embodiments, the radio network interface may include various protocols or protocol layers, such as: PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, and RRC layer protocols standardized by 3GPP for LTE, LTE-A, and / or 5G / NR; improvements thereto such as described herein above; or any other higher layer protocol used in conjunction with the radio network interface 1240. According to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the radio network interface 1240 may include a PHY layer based on OFDM, OFDMA, and / or SC-FDMA technology. In some embodiments, the functionality of such a PHY layer may be provided cooperatively by the radio network interface 1240 and the processor 1210 (including program code in the memory 1220).

[0154] The core network interface 1250 may include a transmitter, a receiver, and other circuits that enable the network node 1200 to communicate with other devices in a core network (such as, in some embodiments, a circuit switching (CS) and / or packet switching (PS) core network). In some embodiments, the core network interface 1250 may include an S1 interface standardized by 3GPP. In some exemplary embodiments, the core network interface 1250 may include one or more interfaces to one or more of the following devices: SGW, MME, SGSN, GGSN, and other physical devices containing functionality known to those of ordinary skill in the art found in GERAN, UTRAN, E-UTRAN, and CDMA2000 core networks. In some embodiments, these one or more interfaces may be multiplexed together on a single physical interface. In some embodiments, the lower layers of the core network interface 1250 may include one or more of the following: asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), Internet Protocol (IP) over Ethernet, SDH over optical fiber, T1 / E1 / PDH over copper wire, microwave radio, or other wired or wireless transmission technologies known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0155] By way of example and not limitation, core network interface 1250 may include one or more of the S1, S1-U, and NG interfaces standardized by 3GPP. Also by way of example, radio network interface 1240 may include a Uu interface standardized by 3GPP.

[0156] The OA&M interface 1260 may include transmitters, receivers, and other circuits that enable the network node 1200 to communicate with external networks, computers, databases, and the like for the purpose of operating, managing, and maintaining the network node 1200 or other network devices operably connected thereto. The lower layers of the OA&M interface 1260 may include one or more of the following: asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), Internet Protocol (IP) over Ethernet, SDH over optical fiber, T1 / E1 / PDH over copper wire, microwave radio, or other wired or wireless transmission technologies known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, in some embodiments, one or more of the radio network interface 1240, the core network interface 1250, and the OA&M interface 1260 may be multiplexed together on a single physical interface (such as in the examples listed above).

[0157] Fig.13 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary network configuration that can be used to provide over-the-top (OTT) data services between a host computer and a user equipment (UE) according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The UE 1310 can communicate with the radio access network (RAN) 1330 through the radio interface 1320, which can be based on the protocols described above, including, for example, LTE, LTE-A, and 5G / NR. The RAN 1330 may include one or more network nodes (e.g., base stations, eNBs, gNBs, ng-eNBs, en-gNBs, controllers, etc.). The RAN 1330 may further communicate with the core network 1340 according to the various protocols and interfaces described above. For example, one or more devices including the RAN 1330 (e.g., base stations, eNBs, gNBs, etc.) may communicate with the core network 1340 via the core network interface 1250 described above. In some exemplary embodiments, the RAN 1330 and the core network 1340 may be configured and / or arranged as shown in the other figures discussed above. Similarly, UE 1310 may also be configured and / or arranged as shown in the other figures discussed above.

[0158] The core network 1340 may further communicate with an external packet data network (in Fig.13 1350). Many other devices and / or networks may also be connected to and communicate via the Internet 1350, such as an exemplary host computer 1360. In some exemplary embodiments, the host computer 1360 may communicate with the UE 1310 using the Internet 1350, the core network 1340, and the RAN 1330 as intermediaries. The host computer 1360 may be a server (e.g., an application server) owned and / or controlled by a service provider. The host computer 1360 may be operated by the OTT service provider or by another entity on behalf of the service provider.

[0159] For example, the host computer 1360 may provide over-the-top (OTT) packet data services to the UE 1310 using the facilities of the core network 1340 and the RAN 1330, which may be unaware of the routing of outgoing / incoming communications to / from the host computer 1360. Similarly, the host computer 1360 may be unaware of the routing of transmissions from the host computer to the UE, e.g., the routing of transmissions through the RAN 1330. Fig.13 The exemplary configuration shown in the figure is used to provide various OTT services, including, for example, streaming (one-way) audio and / or video from a host computer to a UE, interactive (two-way) audio and / or video between a host computer and a UE, interactive messaging or social communication, interactive virtual or augmented reality, etc.

[0160] Fig.13 The exemplary network shown in may also include measurement processes and / or sensors that monitor network performance metrics including data rate, latency, and other factors improved by the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. The exemplary network may also include functionality for reconfiguring links between endpoints (e.g., a host computer and a UE) in response to changes in measurement results. Such processes and functionality are known and practiced; if the network hides or abstracts the radio interface from the OTT service provider, the measurements may be facilitated by proprietary signaling between the UE and the host computer.

[0161] Exemplary embodiments that facilitate unambiguous determination of beams for transmitting PRS and other communication-related (e.g., RRM) signals and data by the UE 1310 and RAN 1330 may play a key role by enabling the UE 1310 and RAN 1330 to meet the requirements of a particular OTT service between the host computer 1360 and the UE 1310. For example, such techniques allow the UE to determine and use the relationship between positioning beams and RRM beams. In some cases, this may facilitate the UE to perform both positioning and RRM operations based on beams transmitted by the network. By supporting beam-based operations for both RRM and positioning, the UE and the network are able to better integrate the two types of operations so that the UE can continue to receive and / or transmit beams carrying data to / from the network. By improving UE and network performance in these and other ways, exemplary embodiments improve data throughput in coverage areas and enable a greater number of users to utilize data-intensive services such as streaming video in a variety of coverage conditions without excessive power consumption or other degradations to the user experience, such as disconnected data connections due to delayed switching caused by measurement delays.

[0162] As described herein, a device and / or apparatus may be represented by a semiconductor chip, a chipset, or a (hardware) module comprising such a chip or chipset; however, this does not exclude the possibility that the functionality of the device or apparatus is not implemented by hardware, but as a software module such as a computer program or computer program product including an executable software code portion for execution or operation on a processor. In addition, the functionality of the device or apparatus may be implemented by any combination of hardware and software. A device or apparatus may also be considered as an assembly of multiple devices and / or apparatuses, regardless of whether they are functionally cooperative or independent of each other. In addition, devices and apparatuses may be implemented in a distributed manner throughout the system, as long as the functionality of the device or apparatus is retained. Such and similar principles are considered to be known to those skilled in the art.

[0163] In addition, certain terms used in the present disclosure including specification, drawings and exemplary embodiments thereof may be used in synonymous form in certain instances, including but not limited to, for example, data and information. It should be understood that although these words and / or other words that may be synonymous with each other may be used synonymously herein, there may also be instances where it is desirable that such words be used non-synonymously. In addition, to the extent that prior art knowledge is not explicitly incorporated by reference above, it is explicitly incorporated in its entirety herein. The full texts of all publications cited are incorporated by reference herein.

[0164] The above merely illustrates the principles of the present disclosure. In view of the teachings herein, various modifications and changes to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to design numerous systems, arrangements, and processes that, although not explicitly shown or described herein, may physically embody the disclosed principles and therefore may be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various different exemplary embodiments may be used together or interchangeably with each other.

[0165] Example embodiments of the techniques and devices described herein include, but are not limited to, the following enumerated examples:

[0166] 1. A method, performed by a network node in a wireless network, of associating a positioning signal with a beam transmitted in the wireless network, the method comprising:

[0167] Sending, to one or more other nodes in the wireless network, information identifying at least one relationship between:

[0168] One or more positioning beams for transmitting positioning signals to one or more UEs; and

[0169] One or more Radio Resource Management (RRM) beams used to transmit RRM signals to one or more UEs.

[0170] 2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein:

[0171] The network node is a base station; and

[0172] The one or more other nodes include at least one of: one or more UEs, and a location server.

[0173] 3. The method of embodiment 1, wherein:

[0174] The network node is a location server; and

[0175] The one or more other nodes include at least one of: one or more UEs, and one or more base stations.

[0176] 4. The method of any one of embodiments 1-3, further comprising:

[0177] determining that one or more positioning beams are required to carry positioning signals to one or more UEs; and

[0178] At least one relationship between the positioning beam and the RRM beam is determined.

[0179] 5. The method of embodiment 4 further includes determining that a positioning signal needs to be transmitted to one or more UEs.

[0180] 6. The method of embodiment 6, wherein determining that a positioning signal needs to be transmitted comprises receiving a request to determine a position of one or more UEs.

[0181] 7. The method of any one of embodiments 5-6, wherein:

[0182] Determining that a positioning signal needs to be transmitted includes determining a configuration of the positioning signal; and

[0183] The configuration includes one or more of: a cell in the wireless network, a direction, a frequency range, a frequency bandwidth, a duration, and a periodicity.

[0184] 8. The method of any one of embodiments 4-7, wherein determining that one or more positioning beams are needed includes receiving a request to transmit a positioning beam from another node in the wireless network.

[0185] 9. The method of any one of embodiments 4-8, wherein:

[0186] Determining that one or more positioning beams are needed is based on the configuration of the positioning signal; and

[0187] The configuration includes one or more of: a cell in the wireless network, a direction, a frequency range, a frequency bandwidth, a duration, and a periodicity.

[0188] 10. The method of any of embodiments 1-9, wherein at least one relationship includes coverage of a positioning beam relative to an RRM beam.

[0189] 11. The method of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the at least one relationship comprises a relationship between a positioning signal and one or more RRM signals carried by the RRM beam.

[0190] 12. The method of embodiment 11, wherein the one or more RRM signals include corresponding synchronization signals and PBCCH blocks (SSBs).

[0191] 13. The method of any one of embodiments 11-12, wherein the at least one relationship comprises a quasi-co-located (QCL) relationship between the positioning signal and the RRM signal.

[0192] 14. The method of any one of embodiments 10-13, wherein determining at least one relationship comprises determining that at least a portion of the RRM beam may carry a positioning signal.

[0193] 15. The method of any one of embodiments 10-13, wherein determining at least one relationship comprises receiving an indication of at least one relationship from another node in the wireless network.

[0194] 16. The method of any one of embodiments 1-15, wherein the information identifying each relationship comprises:

[0195] The index of the specific positioning beam; and

[0196] The index of one or more corresponding RRM beams.

[0197] 17. The method of any one of embodiments 1-16, further comprising transmitting a positioning signal and an RRM signal based on at least one relationship between a positioning beam and an RRM beam.

[0198] 18. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) to associate a positioning signal with a beam transmitted in a wireless network, the method comprising:

[0199] receiving, from a wireless network, information identifying at least one relationship between:

[0200] One or more positioning beams for transmitting positioning signals; and

[0201] One or more Radio Resource Management (RRM) beams used to transmit RRM signals.

[0202] 19. The method of embodiment 18, further comprising:

[0203] receiving, from a wireless network, a configuration for a positioning signal to be transmitted via the wireless network;

[0204] determining one or more positioning beams for receiving positioning signals based on the received configuration and the received at least one relationship; and

[0205] A positioning signal is received via the determined positioning beam.

[0206] 20. The method of embodiment 19, wherein:

[0207] Determining one or more positioning beams comprises determining one or more RRM beams that carry positioning signals; and

[0208] Receiving the positioning signal via the determined positioning beam includes receiving the positioning signal and the one or more RRM signals via the determined one or more RRM beams.

[0209] 21. The method of any of embodiments 18-20, wherein at least one relationship includes coverage of a positioning beam relative to an RRM beam.

[0210] 22. The method of any one of embodiments 18-21, wherein the at least one relationship comprises a relationship between a positioning signal and one or more RRM signals carried by the RRM beam.

[0211] 23. The method of embodiment 22, wherein the one or more RRM signals include corresponding synchronization signals and PBCCH blocks (SSBs).

[0212] 24. The method of any one of embodiments 22-23, wherein the at least one relationship comprises a quasi-co-located (QCL) relationship between the positioning signal and the RRM signal.

[0213] 25. The method of any one of embodiments 18-24, wherein the information identifying each relationship comprises:

[0214] The index of the specific positioning beam; and

[0215] The index of one or more corresponding RRM beams.

[0216] 26. A network node configured to operate in a wireless network, the network node comprising:

[0217] network interface circuitry configured to communicate with one or more other nodes in a wireless network; and

[0218] A processing circuit is operably coupled to a network interface circuit, whereby the network interface circuit and the processing circuit are configured to perform operations corresponding to the method of any one of embodiments 1-17.

[0219] 27. A network node configured to operate in a wireless network, the network node being arranged to perform operations corresponding to the method of any one of embodiments 1-7.

[0220] 28. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor of a network node configured to operate in a wireless network, configure the network node to perform operations corresponding to the method of any one of embodiments 1-17.

[0221] 29. A computer program product comprising computer executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor of a network node configured to operate in a wireless network, configure the network node to perform operations corresponding to the method of any one of embodiments 1-17.

[0222] 30. A user equipment (UE) configured to receive a positioning signal in a wireless network, the UE comprising:

[0223] a radio transceiver configured to communicate with a wireless network; and

[0224] The processing circuit is operably coupled to the radio transceiver, whereby the radio transceiver and the processing circuit are configured to perform operations corresponding to the method of any one of embodiments 18-25.

[0225] 31. A user equipment (UE) configured to receive a positioning signal in a wireless network, the UE being arranged to perform operations corresponding to the method of any one of embodiments 18-25.

[0226] 32. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor of a user equipment (UE), configure the UE to perform operations corresponding to the method of any one of embodiments 18-25.

[0227] 33. A computer program product comprising computer executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor of a user equipment (UE), configure the UE to perform operations corresponding to the method of any one of embodiments 18-25.

Claims

1. A method, performed by a user equipment (UE), of associating a positioning signal with a beam transmitted in a wireless network, the wireless network comprising a location server and a base station, the method comprising: receiving, from the location server, information identifying at least one relationship between one or more positioning beams for transmitting positioning signals and one or more radio resource management (RRM) beams for transmitting RRM signals; as well as The positioning signal is received through the one or more positioning beams according to the relationship between the one or more positioning beams and the one or more RRM beams.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, from the wireless network, a configuration of a positioning signal to be transmitted via the wireless network; determining, based on the received configuration and the at least one relationship between the one or more positioning beams and the one or more RRM beams, the one or more positioning beams for receiving the positioning signal; as well as The positioning signal is received via the determined one or more positioning beams.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein: Determining one or more positioning beams comprises determining one or more RRM beams that carry the positioning signal; and Receiving the positioning signal via the determined positioning beam includes receiving the positioning signal and one or more RRM signals via the determined one or more RRM beams.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The at least one relationship comprises coverage of the positioning beam relative to the RRM beam.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The at least one relationship comprises a relationship between the positioning signal and one or more RRM signals carried by the RRM beam.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein: The one or more RRM signals include respective synchronization signals and PBCCH blocks (SSBs), and the at least one relationship includes a relationship between the positioning signal and the SSBs carried by the RRM beam.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein: The at least one relationship comprises a quasi co-located (QCL) relationship between the positioning signal and the RRM signal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The information identifying each relationship includes: The index of the specific positioning beam; and The index of one or more corresponding RRM beams.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The information identifying at least one relationship between one or more positioning beams for transmitting positioning signals and one or more Radio Resource Management (RRM) beams for transmitting RRM signals is received through RRC signaling.

10. A user equipment (UE) configured to receive a positioning signal in a wireless network, the wireless network comprising a location server and a base station, the UE comprising a processor and a memory, the processor being configured to: receiving, from the location server, information identifying at least one relationship between one or more positioning beams for transmitting positioning signals and one or more radio resource management (RRM) beams for transmitting RRM signals; and The positioning signal is received through the one or more positioning beams according to the relationship between the one or more positioning beams and the one or more RRM beams.

11. A device implemented in a user equipment (UE) configured to receive a positioning signal in a wireless network, the wireless network comprising a location server and a base station, the device comprising components for performing operations corresponding to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A user equipment (UE) configured to receive a positioning signal in a wireless network, the wireless network comprising a location server and a base station, the UE comprising: processor; as well as a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the UE to: receiving, from the location server, information identifying at least one relationship between one or more positioning beams for transmitting positioning signals and one or more radio resource management (RRM) beams for transmitting RRM signals; as well as The positioning signal is received through the one or more positioning beams according to the relationship between the one or more positioning beams and the one or more RRM beams.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor of a user equipment (UE), configure the UE to perform operations corresponding to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. A computer program product comprising computer executable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a user equipment (UE), configure the UE to perform operations corresponding to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

15. A method performed by a network node in a wireless network of associating a positioning signal with a beam transmitted in the wireless network, the method comprising: sending, to one or more other nodes in the wireless network, information identifying at least one relationship between: one or more positioning beams used to transmit positioning signals to one or more UEs; and one or more radio resource management (RRM) beams for transmitting RRM signals to the one or more UEs; Therein, the network node is a base station, and the one or more other nodes are location servers.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: Determining that one or more positioning beams are needed includes receiving a request from another node in the wireless network to transmit the positioning beam.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein: Determining that one or more positioning beams are needed is based on the configuration of the positioning signal.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The configuration of the positioning signal includes one or more of: a cell in the wireless network, a direction, a frequency range, a frequency bandwidth, a duration, and a periodicity.

19. The method of any of claims 15 to 18, further comprising determining the at least one relationship between the positioning beam and the RRM beam.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: Determining the at least one relationship includes determining that at least a portion of the RRM beam is capable of carrying the positioning signal.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein: Determining the at least one relationship includes receiving an indication of the at least one relationship from another node in the wireless network.

22. The method of claim 15, further comprising determining a need to transmit the positioning signal to the one or more UEs.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: Determining that the positioning signal needs to be transmitted includes receiving a request to determine a position of the one or more UEs.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein: Determining the need to transmit the positioning signal includes determining a configuration of the positioning signal; and The configuration includes one or more of: a cell in the wireless network, a direction, a frequency range, a frequency bandwidth, a duration, and a periodicity.

25. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: The at least one relationship comprises coverage of the positioning beam relative to the RRM beam.

26. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: The at least one relationship comprises a relationship between the positioning signal and one or more RRM signals carried by the RRM beam.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein: The one or more RRM signals include respective synchronization signals and PBCCH blocks (SSBs), and the at least one relationship includes a relationship between the positioning signal and the SSBs carried by the RRM beam.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein: The at least one relationship comprises a quasi co-located (QCL) relationship between the positioning signal and the RRM signal.

29. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: The information identifying each relationship includes: The index of the specific positioning beam; and The index of one or more corresponding RRM beams.

30. The method of claim 26, further comprising transmitting the positioning signal and the RRM signal based on the at least one relationship between the positioning beam and the RRM beam.

31. A method performed by a network node in a wireless network of associating a positioning signal with a beam transmitted in the wireless network, the method comprising: transmitting, to one or more other nodes in the wireless network, information identifying at least one relationship between: one or more positioning beams for transmitting positioning signals to one or more UEs; and one or more radio resource management (RRM) beams for transmitting RRM signals to the one or more UEs; Therein, the network node is a location server, and the one or more other nodes are the one or more UEs.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein: Determining that one or more positioning beams are needed includes receiving a request from another node in the wireless network to transmit the positioning beam.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein: Determining that one or more positioning beams are needed is based on the configuration of the positioning signal.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein: The configuration of the positioning signal includes one or more of: a cell in the wireless network, a direction, a frequency range, a frequency bandwidth, a duration, and a periodicity.

35. The method of any of claims 31 to 34, further comprising determining the at least one relationship between the positioning beam and the RRM beam.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein: Determining the at least one relationship includes determining that at least a portion of the RRM beam is capable of carrying the positioning signal.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein: Determining the at least one relationship includes receiving an indication of the at least one relationship from another node in the wireless network.

38. The method of claim 31 , further comprising determining a need to transmit the positioning signal to the one or more UEs.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein: Determining that the positioning signal needs to be transmitted includes receiving a request to determine a position of the one or more UEs.

40. The method of claim 38 or 39, wherein: Determining the need to transmit the positioning signal includes determining a configuration of the positioning signal; and The configuration includes one or more of: a cell in the wireless network, a direction, a frequency range, a frequency bandwidth, a duration, and a periodicity.

41. The method of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein: The at least one relationship comprises coverage of the positioning beam relative to the RRM beam.

42. The method of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein: The at least one relationship comprises a relationship between the positioning signal and one or more RRM signals carried by the RRM beam.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein: The one or more RRM signals include respective synchronization signals and PBCCH blocks (SSBs), and the at least one relationship includes a relationship between the positioning signal and the SSBs carried by the RRM beam.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein: The at least one relationship comprises a quasi co-located (QCL) relationship between the positioning signal and the RRM signal.

45. The method of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein: The information identifying each relationship includes: The index of the specific positioning beam; and The index of one or more corresponding RRM beams.

46. ​​The method of claim 42, further comprising transmitting the positioning signal and the RRM signal based on the at least one relationship between the positioning beam and the RRM beam.

47. A network node configured to operate in a wireless network, the network node comprising: network interface circuitry configured to communicate with one or more other nodes in the wireless network; as well as A processing circuit operatively coupled to the network interface circuit, whereby the network interface circuit and the processing circuit are configured to perform operations corresponding to the method of any one of claims 15 to 46.

48. An apparatus implemented in a network node configured to operate in a wireless network, the apparatus comprising means for performing operations corresponding to the method of any one of claims 15 to 46.

49. A network node configured to operate in a wireless network, the network node comprising a processor and a memory, the processor configured to: transmitting, to one or more other nodes in the wireless network, information identifying at least one relationship between: one or more positioning beams for transmitting positioning signals to one or more UEs; and one or more radio resource management (RRM) beams for transmitting RRM signals to the one or more UEs; in, The network node is a base station and the one or more other nodes are location servers.

50. A network node configured to operate in a wireless network, the network node comprising a processor and a memory, the processor configured to: transmitting, to one or more other nodes in the wireless network, information identifying at least one relationship between: one or more positioning beams for transmitting positioning signals to one or more UEs; and one or more radio resource management (RRM) beams for transmitting RRM signals to the one or more UEs; in, The network node is a location server and the one or more other nodes are the one or more UEs.

51. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a network node configured to operate in a wireless network, configure the network node to perform operations corresponding to the method of any one of claims 15 to 46.

52. A computer program product comprising computer executable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a network node configured to operate in a wireless network, configure the network node to perform operations corresponding to the method of any one of claims 15 to 46.

Images