Locating resource allocation

Abstract

A method for operating a network node (120) of a communication network (100), the method comprising: obtaining (1101) one or more positioning conditions of a wireless communication device (130); and selecting (1102) a positioning reference signal resource allocation for a positioning reference signal (150) from a set of positioning reference signal resource allocations based on the one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various examples relate to allocation of communication positioning reference signal resources for positioning of devices, such as mobile wireless communication devices in a communication network. Background Art

[0002] Positioning technology for mobile devices is applied in various technical fields. Specifically, mobile wireless communication devices operating in a communication network can combine positioning technology with wireless communication. In this context, a particular technology is observable time difference of arrival (OTDOA). For example, in OTDOA, a downlink (DL) positioning reference signal (PRS) is transmitted by multiple radio access nodes and received by a mobile wireless communication device. The radio access node may include, for example, a base station, such as an eNodeB in LTE (Long Term Evolution, 4G) technology or a gNB in ​​NR (New Radio, 5G) technology. The mobile wireless communication device can then determine the time difference of arrival (TDOA), sometimes also referred to as the reference signal time difference (RSTD). Thus, TDOA can correspond to the time difference observed between the positioning reference signal (PRS) received from the target base station and the reference base station. In some examples, the mobile wireless communication device can determine the TDOA of two or more base stations: the mobile wireless communication device may generally involve three or more base stations because one base station is used as a reference. In order to perform positioning estimation using multilateration positioning, at least three base stations may be required.

[0003] Further specific positioning techniques may be based on the received power and / or quality of positioning reference signals. For example, a mobile wireless communication device may receive positioning reference signals from multiple base stations or cells, and may report the received power and quality (RSRP / RSRQ) of the reference signals together with the base station or cell ID for positioning purposes.

[0004] Although OTDOA will be primarily referenced below, the techniques herein may be applied to any other type of PRS-based positioning techniques (eg, RSRP / RSRQ), unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0005] Based on TDOA, location information for a mobile device may be estimated. The location information may indicate the location of the mobile device. To determine the location information, predefined locations of the base stations involved and / or predefined time offsets between the base stations involved may be considered. In some examples, the location information may be determined based on multilateration positioning or multi-angle positioning.

[0006] OTDOA technology is described in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification (TS) 36.211 V13.2.0 (2016-06) section 6.10.4, TS 36.355 V13.1.0 (2016-03) section 6.5.1, and TS 36.455 V13.1.0 (2016-03) section 8.2.5.

[0007] In cellular-based systems such as LTE, OTDOA is a well-known downlink-based positioning method. For NR technology, support for downlink-based positioning (including OTDOA) is also considered. In principle, the base station transmits PRS, and the user equipment (UE) calculates the arrival time difference from each base station and reports the measurement results to the location server (LS), for example, via the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP). The location server can determine the position of the wireless communication device based on multilateration positioning.

[0008] Positioning in NR has higher requirements than LTE, as the positioning model must generally meet both regulatory and commercial requirements, see, for example, 3GPP TR 38.855 V16.0.0 (March 2019). For DL-based positioning, it is concluded that OTDOA or RSTD-based positioning is used together with measured / estimated departure angle (AoD) to achieve better accuracy. However, different channels and scenarios can have different results with respect to accuracy, latency, etc., and in some cases, it may be difficult to meet the requirements.

[0009] In addition, NR supports beamforming, and therefore the positioning method may need to take this concept into account. The selection of beams for positioning purposes will affect positioning accuracy, positioning latency, and the amount of system resources required for certain coverage, accuracy, and power consumption related to positioning. For certain coverage requirements and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values, a large amount of resources may be required to meet the system requirements defined in TR 38.855. Using more system resources may increase power consumption and may waste spectrum. Using fewer system resources may result in poorer system performance and the risk of failing to meet system requirements.

[0010] Therefore, the OTDOA positioning technology according to the reference implementation faces certain defects and limitations. For example, the accuracy of this positioning technology may be limited. For example, the energy consumption for receiving and processing positioning reference signals can be significant. For example, the total transmission capacity can be reduced by PRS transmission. Summary of the invention

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for advanced resource allocation techniques. In particular, there is a need for techniques to overcome or mitigate at least some of the drawbacks and limitations identified above.

[0012] According to an example, a method of operating a network node of a communication network includes obtaining one or more positioning conditions of a wireless communication device. In addition, according to the method, a positioning reference signal resource allocation for a positioning reference signal is selected from a set of positioning reference signal resource allocations based on the one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device.

[0013] Based on the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation, positioning measurements for the wireless communication device may be triggered.

[0014] According to an example, a network node of a communication network includes a control circuit configured to obtain one or more positioning conditions of a wireless communication device. The control circuit is further configured to select a positioning reference signal resource allocation for a positioning reference signal from a set of positioning reference signal resource allocations based on the one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device.

[0015] According to an example, a computer program product includes a program code. The program code may be executed by a control circuit (e.g., by at least one processor). Execution of the program code by the control circuit causes the control circuit to perform a method of operating a network node of a communication network. The method includes obtaining one or more positioning conditions of a wireless communication device. In addition, according to the method, a positioning reference signal resource allocation for a positioning reference signal is selected from a set of positioning reference signal resource allocations based on the one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device.

[0016] According to an example, the computer program includes a program code. The program code may be executed by a control circuit (e.g., by at least one processor). Execution of the program code by the control circuit causes the control circuit to perform a method of operating a network node of a communication network. The method includes obtaining one or more positioning conditions of a wireless communication device. In addition, according to the method, a positioning reference signal resource allocation for a positioning reference signal is selected from a set of positioning reference signal resource allocations based on the one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device.

[0017] According to an example, a method of operating a wireless communication device in a communication network includes sending one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device to a network node of the communication network. In addition, the method includes receiving a configuration of a positioning reference signal resource allocation for communicating a positioning reference signal from the network node.

[0018] According to an example, a wireless communication device configured for communicating in a communication network includes a control circuit configured to send one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device to a network node of the communication network and receive a configuration of a positioning signal resource allocation for communicating a positioning reference signal.

[0019] According to an example, a computer program product includes program code. The program code may be executed by a control circuit (e.g., by at least one processor). Execution of the program code by the control circuit causes the control circuit to perform a method for operating a wireless communication device in a communication network. The method includes transmitting one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device to a network node of the communication network. In addition, the method includes receiving a configuration of a positioning reference signal resource allocation for communicating a positioning reference signal from the network node.

[0020] According to an example, a computer program includes a program code. The program code may be executed by a control circuit (e.g., by at least one processor). Execution of the program code by the control circuit causes the control circuit to perform a method of operating a wireless communication device in a communication network. The method includes sending one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device to a network node of the communication network. In addition, the method includes receiving a configuration of a positioning reference signal resource allocation for communicating a positioning reference signal from the network node.

[0021] It is to be understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combination indicated but also in other combinations or separate combinations, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 The transmission of positioning reference signals from a plurality of radio access nodes of a communication network to a wireless communication device according to various embodiments is schematically illustrated.

[0023] Figure 2 Network nodes of a communication network according to various embodiments are schematically illustrated.

[0024] Figure 3 A radio access node of a communication network according to various embodiments is schematically illustrated.

[0025] Figure 4 A wireless communication device of a communication network according to various embodiments is schematically illustrated.

[0026] Figure 5 Resource mapping of a subframe sequence of a radio channel including a plurality of resources allocated for transmission of a positioning reference signal according to various embodiments is schematically illustrated.

[0027] Figure 6 Schematically shows Figure 5 More details on resource mapping of subframes.

[0028] Figure 7 Resource mapping of a subframe sequence of a radio channel including a plurality of resources allocated for transmission of a positioning reference signal according to various embodiments is schematically illustrated.

[0029] Figure 8 Schematically shows Figure 7 More details on resource mapping of subframes.

[0030] Fig. 9 is a message sequence chart of a method according to various embodiments.

[0031] Fig.10 is a flow chart of a method according to various embodiments.

[0032] Fig.11 is a flow chart of a method according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description of the embodiments should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited by the embodiments or drawings described below, which are considered to be illustrative only.

[0034] The accompanying drawings should be considered as schematic representations, and the elements shown in the drawings need not be shown to scale. On the contrary, the various elements are represented so that the functions and general purposes of the elements are apparent to those skilled in the art. Any connection or coupling between the functional blocks, devices, components or other physical or functional units shown in the accompanying drawings or described herein may also be achieved by indirect connection or coupling. Coupling between components may also be established by wireless connection. Functional blocks may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof.

[0035] In the following, positioning techniques for mobile wireless communication devices are described. The positioning techniques rely on the transmission of positioning reference signals. The wireless communication device can operate in a communication network (e.g., a wireless cellular communication network). In some examples, a DL positioning reference signal is transmitted by one or more radio access nodes, which are also commonly referred to as base stations (BS) and are received by the mobile wireless communication device. Although various examples are described below primarily in the context of DL positioning reference signals, in general, such techniques can also be applied to uplink (UL) positioning reference signals or positioning reference signals transmitted from one wireless communication device to another wireless communication device (i.e., positioning reference signals communicated in a side link (SL)).

[0036] Positioning technology is generally capable of tracking the location of a mobile wireless communication device over time. Location data that can determine the location of a mobile wireless communication device indicates the use of the positioning technology. Based on the location data of the mobile wireless communication device, positioning-related services can be implemented. Examples include geo-messaging, geo-tracking, etc.

[0037] In some examples, the positioning technology described herein can be applied in the framework of the Internet of Things (IoT). For example, the positioning technology can correspond to 3GPP enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) or 3GPP narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technology: these examples are described in 3GPP RP-161321 "Proposal for a new work item on further enhancing MTC", Ericsson, RAN#72 and RP-161324 "Proposal for a new work item: "Enhancement of NB-IOT", Vodafone, Huawei, HiSilicon, Ericsson, Qualcomm, RAN#72. These technologies in the framework of the Internet of Things are generally intended to create low-cost mobile devices that are energy-efficient and can operate in extended coverage areas (such as inside a basement).

[0038] Figure 1 Aspects of positioning technology according to various examples are shown. Specifically, Figure 1 Aspects of positioning techniques with respect to communications that rely on a DL positioning reference signal 150 are shown.

[0039] Figure 1 1 shows the architecture of a cellular communication network 100 according to some example implementations. Figure 1 The example communication network 100 implements the 3GPP LTE architecture and the NR architecture. According to 3GPP LTE and NR, the wireless channel is defined according to the evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (EUTRAN). This description in the 3GPP framework is for exemplary purposes only. Similar techniques can be easily applied to various 3GPP specific architectures, such as global system for mobile communications (GSM), wideband code division multiplexing (WCDMA), general packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced data rate GSM evolution (EDGE), enhanced GPRS (EGPRS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), high speed packet access (HSPA), and the corresponding architecture of the relevant cellular network. Specifically, this technology can be applied in 3GPP NB-IoT or eMTC systems. In addition, the corresponding technology can be easily applied to various non-3GPP specified architectures, such as Bluetooth, satellite communications, IEEE 802.11xWi-Fi technology, etc.

[0040] exist Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the mobile wireless communication device 130 can receive a DL positioning reference signal 150 sent by each of the multiple radio access nodes 101-103. In the 3GPP LTE architecture, the wireless access nodes 101-103 are implemented as evolved Node Bs (eNBs). In the 3GPP NR architecture, the wireless access nodes 101-103 are implemented as next generation Node Bs (gNBs). The positioning reference signals 150 transmitted by different radio access nodes 101-103 can be orthogonal to each other, for example, spatially separated and / or orthogonal in the time domain, frequency domain, and / or code domain. This mitigates interference.

[0041] To facilitate positioning of the mobile wireless communication device 130, the mobile wireless communication device 130 is typically time synchronized with one or more of the radio access nodes 101-103. For example, the serving radio access nodes 101-103 may be time synchronized with the mobile wireless communication device 130. Optionally, the radio access nodes 101-103 are also time synchronized with each other, particularly in conjunction with implementing OTDOA techniques.

[0042] The mobile wireless communication device 130 may be one of the following: a smart phone; a phone; a table; a notebook; a computer; a smart TV; an MTC device; an eMTC device; an Internet of Things device; an NB-IoT device, etc.

[0043] The positioning reference signal may generally correspond to a well-defined symbol sent via a wireless channel. The positioning reference signal may be encoded according to predefined rules. The positioning reference signal may have a well-defined amplitude value and / or symbol value. Based on such well-defined characteristics of the positioning reference signal, the time of arrival (TOA) of the positioning reference signal may be determined. Various examples of positioning reference signals are conceivable. For example, in some examples, the positioning reference signal may be encoded based on certain sequence codes. In some examples, the sequence code may rely on the time-frequency position of a special resource for sending the positioning reference signal 150 via a wireless channel. In some examples, the sequence code may rely on the identification of the transmitting radio access node, such as a cell identifier (cell ID). Thus, the positioning reference signal 150 may indicate the corresponding radio access node 101-103. In some examples, the sequence code may rely on a transmission frame, which includes resources allocated for the transmission of the corresponding positioning reference signal 150, for example, the sequence code may cause the positioning reference signal 150 communicated in different transmission frames to be encoded differently. Thus, the positioning reference signal may indicate the corresponding transmission frame. In some examples, a positioning reference signal may be scheduled specifically for a given mobile wireless communication device 130. Different mobile wireless communication devices 130 may be associated with different positioning reference signals at different positioning occasions.

[0044] In addition, Figure 11 shows a network node 120 of the cellular communication network 100, which may be implemented by a server. The network node 120 may perform various tasks related to the positioning of the mobile wireless communication device 130. Therefore, the network node 120 may be considered as a location server or a simple server. The functions provided by the network node 120 may be implemented by a separate server (e.g., a location server), or the functions may be implemented by one or more of the radio access nodes 101-103.

[0045] The first task that may be assigned to the network node 120 may correspond to the scheduling of the communication of the positioning reference signal 150. Here, the network node 120 may implement a resource mapping, which specifically refers to the resources allocated for the transmission of the positioning reference signal 150 at each of the radio access nodes 101-103. Different radio access nodes 101-103 may thus be associated with different resource mappings, whereby different radio access nodes 101-103 may employ different resources for the transmission of the positioning reference signal 150.

[0046] A second task that may be assigned to the network node 120 may correspond to implementing a timing schedule for repeated transmission of a sequence of subframes including a positioning reference signal 150 at each of the radio access nodes 101-103. Different radio access nodes 101-103 may use different timing schedules including different repetition rates and / or lengths of the subframe sequences.

[0047] A third task that may be assigned to the network node 120 may correspond to determining location information based on positioning information provided by the mobile wireless communication device 130. Here, the positioning information provided by the mobile wireless communication device 130 may indicate the TDOA or RSTD of the positioning reference signal 150 received from each of the radio access nodes 101-103 relative to the positioning reference signal received from the reference radio access node 101-103. The network node 120 may then perform trilateration positioning or multilateration positioning taking into account the positioning information and a predefined positioning of the radio access node 101-103, for example, defined relative to the reference radio access node. Based on the trilateration positioning or multilateration positioning, the position of the mobile wireless communication device 130 relative to the radio access nodes 101-103 may be determined. The location information may be an indication of the determined positioning of the mobile wireless communication device 130.

[0048] The tasks described above can be combined with each other.

[0049] Figure 2Aspects regarding the network node 120 are schematically illustrated. The network node 120 comprises a processor 121, an interface 122, and a memory 123. The memory 123 may store program code executed by the processor 121. The processor 121 and the memory 123 may constitute a control circuit of the network node 120. Execution of the program code may cause the processor 121 to perform various tasks regarding positioning of the mobile wireless communication device 130. Such tasks may include selection of a positioning reference signal resource allocation for a positioning reference signal, communication scheduling of the positioning reference signal 150, determination of a timing schedule for repeatedly transmitting a sequence of subframes including the positioning reference signal 150, and determination of a position information indication of positioning information based on TDOA provided by the mobile wireless communication device 130. The processor 121 may exchange messages with the radio access nodes 101-103, and with the mobile wireless communication device 130 via the interface 122.

[0050] Figure 3 Aspects with respect to radio access nodes 101-103 are schematically shown. The access nodes 101-103 each include a processor 111, an interface 112, and a memory 113. The processor 111 and the memory 113 may constitute a control circuit of the radio access node. The memory 113 may store program code executed by the processor 111. Execution of the program code may cause the processor 111 to perform various tasks regarding the positioning of the mobile wireless communication device 130. Such tasks may include communicating a positioning reference signal 150 according to a corresponding resource mapping, the resource mapping including allocating resources for the transmission of the positioning reference signal 150. Such tasks may also include communicating the positioning reference signal 150 in a subframe sequence. The timing of the subframe sequence may be defined by a corresponding timing schedule. Such tasks may also include encoding the positioning reference signal 150 according to certain sequence codes. The interface 112 may be configured to transmit DL signals and receive UL signals via a wireless channel.

[0051] Figure 4Aspects with respect to a mobile wireless communication device 130 are schematically shown. The mobile wireless communication device 130 includes a processor 131, an interface 132, and a memory 133. The processor 131 and the memory 133 may constitute a control circuit of the mobile wireless communication device 130. The memory 133 may store program code executed by the processor 131. Execution of the program code may cause the processor 131 to perform various tasks related to positioning of the mobile wireless communication device 130. Such tasks include communicating a positioning reference signal 150 according to a resource mapping, the resource mapping including allocating resources for the transmission of the positioning reference signal 150. The mobile device may receive the positioning reference signal 150 from different radio access nodes 101-103; different radio access nodes 101-103 may use different resource mappings. Such tasks may also include decoding of the positioning reference signal 150 according to certain sequence codes. The interface 132 may be configured to receive DL signals and transmit UL signals via a wireless channel.

[0052] Figure 5 Aspects of resource mapping 501 relative to wireless channels are shown. Figure 5 A resource mapping 501 is shown for transmitting a DL positioning reference signal 150 from a given radio access node 101 - 103 to a mobile wireless communication device 130 .

[0053] Resource mapping 501 includes a plurality of subframes 510 and 511. Each subframe includes a plurality of resource blocks. The resource blocks including resources that can be used for transmission of DL positioning reference signal 150 are Figure 5 Indicated as Figure 5 The dashed areas 520 and 521 in FIG. Figure 6 A more detailed view of only a portion of a subframe 510 showing a resource map 501 is shown in FIG.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, subframe 510 includes multiple resource blocks 611-619. Each resource block 611-619 can be defined by a time slot position in the time domain and a subcarrier (frequency range) in the frequency domain. Generally, the bandwidth of a wireless channel includes multiple subcarriers. Each resource block 611-619 includes multiple resources, which are Figure 6 The two resources are indicated by reference symbols 620 and 621.

[0055] Resource mapping 501 includes multiple time-frequency resources 620 and 621. The various resources 620 and 621 may be orthogonal to each other. In an example, resources 620 and 621 may relate to symbols encoded by orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarriers. Sometimes, resources 620 and 621 may be referred to as resource elements.

[0056] The resource map 501 further defines some resources 620 to be allocated for the transmission of the DL positioning reference signal 150. Figure 6 , the corresponding resource 620 is shown filled with a dashed line. Other resources 621 are allocated for the transmission of DL positioning reference signals 150, and such resources 621 can be allocated for the transmission of control data, payload data, other reference signals, etc. In some examples, resources 621 near the resources 620 allocated for positioning reference signals 150 may also not carry data to mitigate interference. For example, other resources 621 can be used by other radio access nodes for the transmission of DL positioning reference signals 150.

[0057] The positioning of the corresponding resources 620 allocated for communication of the positioning reference signal 150 may be defined relative to the subframe 510. The subframe 510 is a specific implementation of a transmission frame of a wireless channel. In other examples, the positioning of the corresponding resources 620 allocated to the communication of the positioning reference signal 150 may be defined as part of the subframe alternatively or additionally relative to a frame including a plurality of subframes 510 and 511 and / or relative to a time slot. In an example implementation, the duration of the subframe 510 may be 1 millisecond. The subframe 510 may include two time slots, each of which is 0.5 milliseconds. The frame may include a plurality of subframes 510 and 511 (e.g., a count of ten subframes 510 and 511). The subframe 510 may support various parameter sets (e.g., subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix length). A subframe 510 with a 15kHz carrier spacing may include two time slots. If the subcarrier spacing is 30kHz, then the subframe 510 may include four time slots.

[0058] exist Figure 6 In the example of , the location of the corresponding resource 620 allocated to the communication of the positioning reference signal 150 is further defined relative to the resource block 612. The resource block 612 includes a plurality of resources. Typically, the bandwidth of the wireless channel includes a plurality of resource blocks 611-619 (e.g., two resource blocks, ten resource blocks, fifty resource blocks, or even one hundred resource blocks).

[0059] To mitigate inter-BS interference, the specific resources 620 allocated for communication of the positioning reference signal 150 may vary from radio access node 101-103 to radio access node 101-103. Thus, different radio access nodes 101-103 may use different resources 620.

[0060] Generally, if a larger count of positioning reference signals 150 is communicated from each participating radio access node 101-103 to the mobile wireless communication device 130, a higher accuracy for determining the position of the mobile wireless communication device 130 can be achieved. This is why a plurality of resources 620 are allocated for the transmission of positioning reference signals 150 in each subframe 510 and 511. For example, the count of resources 620 allocated for the transmission of positioning reference signals 150 relative to the total count of resources 620 and 621 in the subframes 510 and 511 can define the time-frequency density of the positioning reference signals 150. The time-frequency density can be defined relative to the resource blocks 611-619 and / or can be defined relative to the system bandwidth of the wireless channel. Generally, a higher time-frequency density of the positioning reference signals 150 results in a higher accuracy for determining the position of the mobile wireless communication device 130.

[0061] exist Figure 6 , a frequency offset 630 between simultaneously communicated positioning reference signals 150 is shown. Generally, a smaller frequency offset 630 will result in a higher time-frequency density of the positioning reference signals 150.

[0062] Figure 7 Aspects of further resource mapping 701 with respect to wireless channels are shown. Figure 7 A DL positioning reference signal 150 is shown for transmitting a resource mapping 701 from a given radio access node 101 - 103 to a mobile wireless communication device 130 .

[0063] Resource mapping 701 includes multiple subframes 710 and 711. Each subframe includes multiple resource blocks. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Compared with the resource mapping 501, the resource blocks including the resources that can be used for the transmission of the DL positioning reference signal 150 are Figure 7 Indicated as dashed areas 720 and 721 in FIG. 7 , resource mapping 701 uses frequency hopping of resource blocks so that resource blocks including resources for transmission of positioning reference signals do not use the same subcarriers within subframes 710 and 711. This can mitigate intra-subframe interference. Figure 8 A more detailed view of resource mapping 701 showing only a portion of subframe 710 is shown in FIG.

[0064] like Figure 8 As shown, subframe 810 includes multiple resource blocks 811-819. Each resource block 811-819 can be defined by a time slot position in the time domain and a subcarrier (frequency range) in the frequency domain. Each resource block 811-819 includes multiple resources, which are Figure 8 Each resource block 811-819 is represented by a square. Two of the resources are indicated by reference symbols 820 and 821.

[0065] The resource map 701 further defines some resources 820 to be allocated for the transmission of the DL positioning reference signal 150. Figure 8 , the corresponding resource 820 is shown filled with a dashed line. Other resources 821 are not allocated for transmission of the DL positioning reference signal 150, and such resources 821 may be allocated for transmission of control data, payload data, other reference signals, etc. In some examples, the resources 821 near the positioning reference signal 150 may also not carry data to mitigate interference. For example, the other resources 821 may be used by other radio access nodes for transmission of the DL positioning reference signal 150.

[0066] The positioning of the various resources 820 allocated for communication of the positioning reference signal 150 may be defined in conjunction with the resources 620 as described above.

[0067] exist Figure 8 In the example of , the positioning of the corresponding resources 820 allocated for communication of the positioning reference signal 150 is further defined relative to the resource block 812.

[0068] As explained above, generally, a higher accuracy for determining the position of the mobile wireless communication device 130 may be achieved if a greater count of positioning reference signals 150 is communicated from each participating radio access node 101-103 to the mobile wireless communication device 130. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Compared to the mapping 501 of FIG. 7 , mapping 701 provides significantly more resources 820 allocated for transmission of positioning reference signals 150 for each resource block 812 and 814. The time-frequency density can be defined relative to resource blocks 811-819 and / or can be defined relative to the system bandwidth of the wireless channel. Generally, a higher time-frequency density of positioning reference signals 150 results in a higher accuracy for determining the location of mobile device 130.

[0069] exist Figure 8 , the frequency offset 830 between the positioning reference signals 150 communicated simultaneously is shown, which is much smaller than Figure 6 In general, a smaller frequency offset 630 will result in a higher time-frequency density of the positioning reference signal 150. This can achieve a low latency for performing positioning of the wireless communication device 130. In addition, a high positioning accuracy can be achieved in a short time, so that the power consumption used for positioning in the wireless communication device 130 can be reduced (for example, by achieving a longer power-off time of the receiver in the wireless communication device between the positioning process).

[0070] The various techniques described herein are based on the following findings: if the bandwidth covered by the resources 620 and 820 allocated for the transmission of the positioning reference signal 150 is limited, the positioning accuracy of the mobile wireless communication device tends to be lower. For example, in 3GPP LTE technology, the sampling rate of symbols depends on the bandwidth of the wireless channel. Higher sampling rates generally produce better TOA measurements, and therefore more accurately determine the distance between each radio access node 101-103 and the mobile wireless communication device 130. Therefore, the accuracy depends on the bandwidth.

[0071] On the other hand, various techniques described herein are based on the following findings: for wireless channels designed for IoT applications, the system bandwidth and the transmission bandwidth for the positioning reference signal 150 are generally limited. For example, according to 3GPP NB-IoT, the system bandwidth is limited to a single resource block 611-619, and thus reaches 180kHz. For example, according to 3GPP eMTC, the system bandwidth is limited to six resource blocks 611-619, and thus reaches 1.4MHz.

[0072] In addition, for machine type communications, coverage enhancement can be introduced by using repetition, which can also be used for positioning. Due to the long period and narrow bandwidth of the positioning reference signal opportunity (e.g. 1.4MHz, period is 1280ms), the time for positioning can be very long, which may cause long delays.

[0073] In the following, a technique will be described that enables multiple and adaptive positioning reference signal resource allocation for various wireless communication devices in different operating states and scenarios while efficiently utilizing spectrum and resources. This is achieved through a dynamic allocation technique that considers one or more of the properties, advantages, parameters, states and / or constraints of the wireless communication device 130 involved, for example, semi-statically, as well as measured channel properties and the concept of grouping wireless communication devices with similar characteristics / capabilities for less overhead resource allocation. In the following, one or more of the properties, advantages, parameters, states and / or constraints of the wireless communication device involved will be referred to as "positioning conditions".

[0074] According to an example, the positioning conditions of the wireless communication device can be reported to the network in combination with measurements for adaptive packet control of positioning reference signal resource allocation. The control of positioning reference signal resource allocation can be combined with a weighting function or artificial intelligence (AI) control based on tables and / or likelihood estimates.

[0075] Briefly, this technique can be summarized as follows: the radio access nodes 101-103 can be configured to support multiple positioning reference signal resources / positioning reference signal resource group configurations that can be activated / deactivated. Each resource can have its own configuration and identification (ID). The positioning conditions can reflect the type of wireless communication device (in terms of, for example, supported bandwidth, power consumption), resource characteristics (e.g., beam configuration) and / or positioning requirements (accuracy, delay). Each wireless communication device can be assigned to a corresponding group of wireless communication devices that share the same positioning reference signal resources. Through this technique, wireless communication devices with certain positioning conditions can be assigned positioning reference signal resources that are suitable for their needs. In an example implementation, a positioning protocol (e.g., LPP, LPPa / NRPPa) can be designed to adapt to these multiple positioning reference signal resources / configurations, such as adapting to scheduling messages associated with the positioning protocol. The availability of one or more positioning reference signal resources (e.g., broadcast) allocations can be transmitted to the wireless communication device and optionally another wireless communication device. The wireless communication device can select / combine among these available allocated positioning reference signal resources for positioning measurement purposes. When combined with positioning reference signal resources, wireless communication devices may achieve lower positioning latency, better accuracy, and / or lower power consumption.

[0076] Combination Fig. 9 The above technology will be described in more detail.

[0077] In block 1001, the network node 120 may configure one or more radio access nodes (gNB) for positioning, such as enabling transmission of positioning reference signals. For example, the network node 120 may include a network location server (LS) configured to determine and adapt the allocation of the plurality of positioning reference signal resources mentioned above.

[0078] In block 1002, the network node 120 may request positioning conditions from one or more wireless communication devices 130 (UE1, UE2). In addition, the network node 120 may send a configuration for positioning to the one or more wireless communication devices 130 (UE1, UE2).

[0079] In block 1003, the network node 120 may set a default configuration of resources for positioning reference signals.

[0080] In block 1004, for example, the wireless communication device (UE1) sends semi-static positioning conditions to a location server (LS) in response to the request received in block 1002. Positioning conditions are considered semi-static because they do not depend on current channel conditions and are therefore static in view of the communication network 100. On the other hand, depending on the application running on the wireless communication device, the positioning conditions may be non-static (e.g., regarding delay and accuracy). In other words, semi-static positioning conditions may be static for a large number of positioning events or a long time (e.g., several minutes or even several hours) for positioning events to occur. For example, semi-static positioning conditions may be sent to a location server using the LPP protocol defined in LTE technology. The configuration may be transmitted from the wireless communication device to the location server together with the existing LPP capability response, but may also be reported in any other signal or LPP message sent before positioning begins. However, semi-static parameters may also be reconfigured when positioning has begun. The location server may handle the reconfiguration of the device and may consider assigning the device to another group. Typical semi-static positioning conditions may include any parameters that affect the system properties of the wireless communication device. Some examples are listed below.

[0081] -Accuracy in meters or time for horizontal or vertical direction. Accuracy values ​​may also be quantized and grouped into accuracy groups for reducing signaling overhead. Ranges may be set for the accuracy required by the wireless communication device (e.g. accuracy of less than 2m horizontal error).

[0082] - Latency is expressed as the time to perform positioning in seconds or lower level entities (such as, for example, the maximum number of repetitions allowed for positioning reference signal transmissions). Further examples may involve the time required from triggering a positioning measurement request to receiving a positioning measurement. Latency may also be expressed as end-to-end latency or radio interface latency.

[0083] - Mobility, e.g. defined by some classification. It can roughly indicate whether the wireless communication device is stationary or non-stationary, thereby reducing the positioning opportunities that may be needed. For example, mobility can indicate whether it is a wireless communication device that can move at high speed (e.g. in a train or car) or low speed (e.g. tracking products in a factory), or whether the device is operating in a limited geographical environment (e.g. any type of facility).

[0084] -The bandwidth supported by the mobile communication device for receiving the positioning reference signal.

[0085] -Power consumption critical devices can indicate that the device needs to pay special attention to power. When scheduled, this information can be weighted with other attributes (such as accuracy, latency, and mobility) to find better positioning reference signal resource allocations for wireless communication devices and communication systems. For example, the frequency / density of positioning measurements can be adopted, or special attention can be paid to scheduling them together with other communication activities. This can be particularly important in non-RRC connected mode states, so that the wake-up and startup of the wireless communication device will occur at each measurement opportunity. For example, the control circuitry and radio interface of the wireless communication device can be at least partially powered off during periods of no wireless communication or low computing workload. Synchronous periods without wireless communication and low computing workload can avoid excessive startup and shutdown time. Saving startup and shutdown time can save energy. In addition, a small amount of allocated resources can also reduce the required processing and thereby save power. If the wireless communication device must only listen to a narrow bandwidth with its radio receiver, power consumption can also be reduced.

[0086] In another example, for wireless communication devices, it may be necessary to have high accuracy and allocate a large amount of PRS resources. In this case, it may be beneficial to allocate PRS resources with as wide a bandwidth as possible to reduce radio / baseband on time from a power perspective.

[0087] The location server (LS) may collect positioning conditions from several or all wireless communication devices in the communication network. For example, in block 1005, the location server (LS) may obtain positioning conditions from another wireless communication device (eg, from UE2).

[0088] In some examples, the semi-static positioning conditions do not have to originate from the wireless communication device itself. The semi-static positioning conditions can also originate from an application layer that requires specific positioning conditions, such as a positioning application executed in a cloud or server connected to a communication network.

[0089] As described above (block 1003), the location server (LS) may set a default configuration for positioning reference signal resource allocation. The default configuration may include a set of positioning reference signal resource allocations associated with a radio access technology for communication between a communication network (e.g., a radio access node of the communication network) and a wireless communication device operating in the communication network. That is, for a same radio access technology (e.g., 3GPP NR or 3GPP NB-IoT, etc.), there may be multiple available positioning reference signal resource allocations. Example positioning reference signal resource allocation combination of a positioning reference signal resource allocation group Figures 5 to 8Discussed above. In block 1006, the location server (LS) may select an appropriate positioning reference signal resource allocation from the set of positioning reference signal resource allocations based on the received positioning conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the location server (LS) may adapt / update the (selected) positioning reference signal resource allocation based on the received positioning conditions. For example, if the wireless communication device requires higher accuracy, positioning reference signal resources that cover a wide bandwidth and / or can be observed for a longer period of time may be allocated. More resources combined with the same channel conditions will increase the SNR / SINR and thereby improve accuracy.

[0090] In block 1007, positioning measurements are triggered based on the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation. In some examples, the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation is signaled to some or all wireless communication devices. In some examples, the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation may also be signaled to specific wireless communication devices scheduled for RSTD measurements. This may be accomplished by using a positioning protocol (e.g., LPP) or by using a control channel or a combination thereof to achieve coordination between signaling overhead and latency. The selected positioning reference signal resource allocation may be determined by combining the positioning reference signal resource allocation as described above. Figures 5 to 8 In other examples, each of the set of positioning reference signal resource allocations may include an identifier or index, and the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation may be communicated by indicating the corresponding identifier or index.

[0091] Refer to the combination described above Figures 5 to 8 For example, a wider bandwidth configuration can be provided that is more sparsely distributed ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) and a similar configuration for a narrower machine type ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 ), which has a denser allocation and longer duration and uses the provided frequency hopping. The parameters used to define the allocation are, for example, slot offset start, slot, subframe number (SFN), duration from start, period, hop count information, etc. It can be noted that the start and stop of the positioning reference signal resource allocation do not have to be slot boundaries.

[0092] The location server (LS) may transmit the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation to one or more radio access nodes (gNB) in block 1021. In other examples, the location server (LS) may transmit the preconfigured positioning reference signal resource allocation to one or more wireless communication devices (UE1) using assistance data, such as a positioning protocol (e.g., LPP), in block 1022. The location server (LS) may then request location information from the wireless communication device (UE1) in block 1023. In block 1023, a positioning protocol (e.g., LPP) may be utilized to send the request.

[0093] In other examples, the location server (LS) may send the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation to one or more radio access nodes (gNB) in block 1031. In block 1032, the radio access node (gNB) may send a request for location information to one or more wireless communication devices (UE1). The request may include an indication of the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation. In blocks 1031 and 1032, a control channel may be utilized to send the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation and the request.

[0094] In other examples, in block 1041, the location server (LS) may send a preconfigured positioning reference signal resource allocation to one or more wireless communication devices (UE1) using, for example, assistance data of a positioning protocol (e.g., LPP). In block 1042, the location server (LS) may send an index or identifier of the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation to one or more radio access nodes (gNB). In block 1043, the radio access node (gNB) may send a request for location information to the wireless communication device (UE1), for example, using a control channel. The request may include an index or identifier of the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation.

[0095] The wireless communication device (UE1) can perform positioning measurements in box 1008 (for example, by measuring RSTD based on the positioning reference signal sent in the allocated positioning reference signal resource). In addition, for example, if the wireless communication device (UE1) is requested or enabled, the wireless communication device can perform channel measurements and report the channel measurements as dynamic channel attribute parameters to the location server (LS). If compared with the allocation based on the semi-static positioning conditions described above, these measurement results will be used in a faster manner to adapt the positioning reference signal resource allocation. The parameters to be measured can be the signal-to-noise / interference ratio (SNR), the reference signal received power level (RSRP), and the measurement quality. The report can be configured to support beams (i.e., each beam reports a measurement value). The positioning reference signal resources used for reception and measurement can mark the measurement data, for example, by an identifier or index. Reports can be triggered for each positioning reference signal opportunity, or reports can be collected and filtered over a longer period of time.

[0096] At block 1009, RSTD and channel properties are reported from the wireless communication device (UE1) to a location server (LS). The RSTD may include an indication of the positioning reference signal resources involved in the RSTD determination (e.g., by indicating corresponding identifiers or indices). Sparser reporting intervals may be considered together with filtering.

[0097] In block 1010, a location server (LS) may adapt a positioning reference signal resource allocation based on the received channel properties. The location server (LS) may send updates on the positioning reference signal resource allocation to one or more radio access nodes of the communication network. Adapting the positioning reference signal resource allocation may refer to using an initial positioning reference signal resource allocation as a baseline and beginning to adjust the allocation from the baseline.

[0098] In some examples, the location server (LS) combines semi-static positioning conditions from wireless communication devices together with more dynamic measurement data (channel attributes) in order to be able to allocate positioning reference signal resources adapted for active wireless communication devices. The location server (LS) may have the ability to signal a designated radio access node (gNB) to activate / deactivate the configuration of additional reference signal resources. This may update an existing positioning reference signal resource configuration or add additional temporary resources. Based on this information, multiple positioning reference signal resources may be allocated in one or more radio access nodes.

[0099] The method may continue in block 1007 to trigger the next positioning measurement. In other examples, the method may continue in block 1002 to obtain updated information on semi-static positioning conditions.

[0100] Fig.10is a flow chart of a method according to various examples. Fig.10 The method of illustrating various aspects with respect to positioning of a mobile wireless communication device (eg, mobile wireless communication device 130). Fig.10 The method steps shown in FIG. 1 may be performed by a network node of the communication network 100 (eg, by the location server 120). Fig.10 The functionalities of the method steps shown in may be provided by other components, devices or nodes of the communication network 100 (eg radio access nodes 101 - 103 or a combination of the server 120 and the radio access nodes 101 - 103).

[0101] In block 1101, the network node 120 obtains one or more positioning conditions of a wireless communication device (e.g., one or more positioning conditions of a wireless communication device 130). The positioning conditions may include one or more preferences, constraints, configurations, and / or states of the corresponding communication device 130. The one or more positioning conditions may be received directly from the corresponding communication device 130, or may be received from the corresponding communication device 130 via the radio access nodes 101-103. In other examples, the positioning conditions for the wireless communication device 130 may be received from an application layer (e.g., a positioning application executed in a cloud or server connected to the communication network 100, an application on the wireless communication device, or an edge computing application on the device side).

[0102] In some examples, one or more positioning conditions may include one or more semi-static information elements. Preferences, constraints, configurations, and / or states that do not depend on the environmental impact of the wireless communication device but only on the inherent conditions of the device can be considered as semi-static information elements. Positioning conditions may include accuracy constraints on the positioning of the wireless communication device. Additionally or alternatively, positioning conditions may include delay constraints on the positioning of the wireless communication device. In addition, positioning conditions may include energy consumption constraints on the wireless communication device. In a further example, one or more positioning conditions may include a mobility level of the wireless communication device, which indicates, for example, the maximum speed at which the wireless communication device moves, whether the geographical location of the wireless communication device is restricted, or whether the device is stationary.

[0103] In other examples, one or more positioning conditions may include one or more dynamic information elements. Positioning conditions that depend on environmental influences of the wireless communication device may be considered dynamic information elements. Positioning conditions may include a channel measurement report. The channel measurement report may contain measurement information of a radio channel used to communicate a positioning reference signal. One or more dynamic information elements may include, for example, a signal-to-noise ratio of a received positioning reference signal, a signal-to-interference-to-noise ratio of a received positioning reference signal, a received power level of a received positioning reference signal, a measurement quality of a received positioning reference signal, a standard deviation of any of the aforementioned dynamic information elements, a correlation peak width and power of a received positioning reference signal, and / or an estimated accuracy of positioning information determined based on the received positioning reference.

[0104] In block 1102 , the network node 120 selects a positioning reference signal resource allocation for a positioning reference signal from a set of positioning reference signal resource allocations based on one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device 130 .

[0105] According to some examples, the positioning reference signal resource allocation includes timing information for communicating positioning reference signals, frequency information for communicating positioning reference signals, and / or spatial information for communicating positioning reference signals. In some examples, the positioning reference signal resource allocation includes a combination of the above information. For example, the positioning reference signal resource allocation may include a combination of the above information. Figures 5 to 8 Allocation of resources 620 and 820 of resource blocks 612 and 812 of subframes 510 and 710.

[0106] In some examples, a group of positioning reference signal resource allocations may include multiple allocations, each allocation indicating multiple resources designated or reserved for the transmission of positioning reference signals. The positioning reference signal resource signal allocations in the positioning reference signal resource signal allocation group may be associated with the same radio access technology for communication between the communication network 100 and the wireless communication device 130. The radio access technology may include, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GSM, UMTS, LTE, LTE-M, or 5GNR. Thus, the group of positioning reference signal resource allocations includes multiple allocations defined within the framework of a radio access technology, and by selecting a positioning reference signal resource allocation from the group of positioning reference signal resource allocations, the positioning reference signal resource allocation is selected for a specific radio access technology. In other words, based on selecting a positioning reference signal resource allocation from the group of positioning reference signal resource allocations, the resource allocation within the same radio access technology can be changed. The type of radio access technology may not be changed by the selection.

[0107] In some examples, the positioning reference signal resource allocation may be selected based on one or more additional positioning reference signal resource allocations of one or more additional wireless communication devices. For example, the network node 120 may obtain one or more further positioning conditions of the additional wireless communication devices 101-103. When selecting a positioning reference signal resource allocation from the positioning reference signal resource group allocation group, the network node 120 may consider the further positioning conditions obtained from the additional wireless communication device. Thus, the positioning reference signal resource allocation may be optimized for multiple wireless communication devices 130 in the communication network 100.

[0108] In a further example, in block 1103, the network node 120 may create a wireless communication device group. The members of the group may be selected from the wireless communication device and another wireless communication device. The network node 120 may create the group by assigning the wireless communication devices to the group, selecting the same positioning reference signal resource allocation for the wireless communication devices. This may improve the effective utilization of available resources for the transmission of positioning reference signals. In addition, the network node 120 may also move a wireless communication device from one group to another, may update a group configuration, and may activate or deactivate a group.

[0109] In a further example, in block 1104, the positioning reference signal resource allocation selected for the wireless communication device assigned to the group may be adapted by the network node 120 based on one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device assigned to the group. For example, based on a set of predefined positioning reference signal resource allocations, a positioning reference signal resource allocation may be selected for the group that substantially complies with the preferences, constraints, configurations, and states defined in the positioning conditions of the wireless communication devices involved. However, by slightly adapting the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation, the resource allocation may be optimized for use in the group.

[0110] In block 1105 , the network node 120 may trigger positioning measurements for the wireless communication device 130 based on the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation.

[0111] As shown in block 1106, triggering positioning measurements may include, for example, sending a configuration of one or more positioning reference signal resource allocations from the network node 120 to the wireless communication device 130. Furthermore, the network node 120 may send the configuration of the positioning reference signal resource allocations to one or more radio access nodes 101-103. Additionally or alternatively, the radio access nodes 101-103 may receive positioning reference signal resources from the network node 120 to send the positioning reference signal resources to the wireless communication device 130.

[0112] In various examples, the configuration uses a predefined configuration specific identifier or index to identify the configuration. A corresponding codebook may be used.

[0113] The wireless communication device may be pre-configured with multiple configurations and may then indicate the configuration to be used with this particular identifier or index.

[0114] Triggering the positioning measurement may include triggering the transmission of a positioning reference signal using the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation (block 1107). For example, by sending the positioning reference signal resource allocation to the radio access node 101-103, the access node 101-103 may begin to use the allocated positioning reference signal resources for sending the corresponding positioning reference signal to the wireless communication device 130. The positioning reference signal sent by the radio access node 101-103 to the wireless communication device 130 may include a downlink positioning reference signal. However, in various examples, the allocated positioning reference signal resources may be used to send an uplink positioning reference signal from the wireless communication device 130 to the radio access node 101-103, or to send a sidelink positioning reference signal from one wireless communication device 130 to another wireless communication device.

[0115] In various examples, triggering positioning measurements may also include sending a corresponding message to the wireless communication device to start measuring the PSR in the wireless communication device.

[0116] In various examples, the positioning reference signal indicates a configuration of the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation, for example, by an identifier or an index.

[0117] In some examples, the network node 120 receives a report indicating channel measurement information related to the received positioning reference signal from the wireless communication device 130. The channel measurement information may indicate a configuration of a positioning reference signal resource allocation for sending the positioning reference signal. For example, the positioning reference signal resource allocation may include a spatial beam configuration for communicating the positioning reference signal. The downlink positioning reference signal may be transmitted from, for example, the radio access node 101-103 to the wireless communication device 130 using the beam configuration. In other examples, an uplink positioning reference signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 130 may be received at the radio access node 101-103 using the beam configuration. By including the configuration in the positioning reference signal, a measurement report for each beam may be provided.

[0118] Based on the positioning reference signal, the wireless communication device 130 may determine TDOA or RSTD as positioning information. In block 1108, the network node 120 may receive the positioning information from the wireless communication device 130, for example, directly or via the radio access nodes 101-103. In block 1109, based on the positioning information, the network node 120 may determine the positioning of the wireless communication device 130.

[0119] Further positioning determination for the wireless communication device 130 may be performed by continuing the method in block 1107 , wherein in block 1108 the wireless communication device 130 receives a further positioning reference signal for providing further positioning information to the network node 120 .

[0120] In some examples, the wireless communication device 130 may additionally provide channel measurements of channel properties of a radio channel of a positioning reference signal received via the wireless communication device. In block 1110, the network node 120 may receive the channel measurements. In block 1111, based on the channel measurements, the network node 120 may adapt the positioning reference signal resource allocation.

[0121] In block 1106 , the adapted positioning reference signal resource allocation may be communicated for further positioning measurements. In other examples, the adapted positioning reference signal resource allocation may be used to recreate the device group in block 1103 .

[0122] Fig.11 is a flow chart of a method according to various examples. Fig.11 The method of illustrating various aspects with respect to positioning of a mobile wireless communication device (eg, mobile wireless communication device 130). Fig.11 The method steps shown in may be performed by one or any number of wireless communication devices (eg, performed by one or more wireless communication devices 130 of the communication network 100).

[0123] In block 1201, the wireless communication device 130 sends one or more positioning conditions. The positioning conditions may include preferences, constraints, configurations, and states of the wireless communication device 130. The one or more positioning conditions may be sent directly from the wireless communication device 130 to the network node 120, or may be sent to the network node 120 via the radio access nodes 101-103.

[0124] In some examples, one or more positioning conditions may include one or more semi-static information elements. Preferences, constraints, configurations, and states that do not depend on the environmental impact of the wireless communication device 130 but only on the inherent conditions of the device may be considered as semi-static information elements. The positioning conditions may include accuracy constraints on the positioning of the wireless communication device 130. Additionally or alternatively, the positioning conditions may include latency constraints on the positioning of the wireless communication device 130. In addition, the positioning conditions may include energy consumption constraints for the wireless communication device 130. In a further example, one or more positioning conditions may include a mobility level of the wireless communication device 130.

[0125] In other examples, one or more positioning conditions may include one or more dynamic information elements. Positioning conditions that depend on environmental influences of the wireless communication device may be considered dynamic information elements. Positioning conditions may include a channel measurement report. The channel measurement report may indicate channel properties and may contain measurement information of a radio channel for transmission of a positioning reference signal. One or more dynamic information elements may include, for example, a signal-to-noise ratio of a received positioning reference signal, a signal-to-interference-to-noise ratio of a received positioning reference signal, a received power level of a received positioning reference signal, a measurement quality of a received positioning reference signal, a standard deviation of any of the aforementioned dynamic information elements, a correlation peak and power with a received positioning reference signal, and / or an estimated accuracy of positioning information determined based on a received positioning reference signal.

[0126] Based on one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device 130 , the network node 120 may select a positioning reference signal resource allocation for a positioning reference signal from a set of positioning reference signal resource allocations.

[0127] According to some examples, the positioning reference signal resource allocation includes timing information for communicating positioning reference signals, frequency information for communicating positioning reference signals, and / or spatial information for communicating positioning reference signals. In some examples, the positioning reference signal resource allocation includes a combination of the above information. For example, the positioning reference signal resource allocation may include a combination of the above information. Figures 5 to 8 Allocation of resources 620 and 820 of resource blocks 612 and 812 of subframes 510 and 710.

[0128] In block 1202 , the wireless communication device 130 receives a configuration of a positioning reference signal resource allocation from the communication network 100 , eg from the network node 120 or from the radio access nodes 101 - 103 .

[0129] In various examples, configurations are identified using predefined configuration-specific identifiers or indices.

[0130] Next, in block 1203, the wireless communication device 130 may receive a positioning reference signal transmitted using the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation. For example, the access node 101-103 may begin using the allocated positioning reference signal resources for transmitting a corresponding positioning reference signal to the wireless communication device 130. The positioning reference signal transmitted by the wireless access node 101-103 to the wireless communication device 130 may include a downlink positioning reference signal.

[0131] However, in various examples, the allocated positioning reference signal resources may be used to transmit an uplink positioning reference signal from the wireless communication device 130 to the radio access nodes 101-103, or to transmit a sidelink positioning reference signal from another wireless communication device to the wireless communication device 130. In this case, the triggered positioning measurement may also be transmitted to the wireless communication device 134 triggering the transmission of the uplink positioning reference signal or the sidelink positioning reference signal.

[0132] In various examples, each positioning reference signal indicates a selected configuration of positioning reference signal resource allocation.

[0133] In block 1204, based on the received positioning reference signal, the wireless communication device 130 may determine TDOA or RSTD as positioning information. In block 1205, the wireless communication device 130 may send the positioning information to the network node 120, for example directly or via the radio access nodes 101-103.

[0134] In some examples, the wireless communication device 130 may determine a channel measurement of a radio channel of a positioning reference signal received via the wireless communication device (block 1206). In block 1207, the wireless communication device 130 may send a report indication of the channel measurement information related to the received positioning reference signal. The channel measurement information may indicate a configuration of a positioning reference signal resource allocation for transmission of the positioning reference signal. For example, the positioning reference signal resource allocation may include a spatial beam configuration for communicating the positioning reference signal. The downlink positioning reference signal may be transmitted to the wireless communication device 130 from, for example, a radio access node 101-103 using the beam configuration. In other examples, an uplink positioning reference signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 130 may be received at the radio access node 101-103 using the beam configuration. By including the configuration in the positioning reference signal, a measurement report for each beam may be provided and the configuration of the positioning reference signal resources used may be indicated.

[0135] Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, equivalents and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification. The present invention includes all such equivalents and modifications and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of operating a network node of a communication network, the method comprising: - obtaining (1101) one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device (130), the positioning conditions reflecting the type, resource characteristics and / or positioning requirements of the wireless communication device, and - selecting (1102) a positioning reference signal resource allocation for a positioning reference signal (150) from a set of positioning reference signal resource allocations based on the one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device (130) and based on one or more further positioning reference signal resource allocations of one or more further wireless communication devices, and - creating (1103) the group by assigning the wireless communication device (130) and these wireless communication devices of the one or more further wireless communication devices into a group for which the same positioning reference signal resources are selected.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: - triggering (1105) positioning measurements for the wireless communication device (130) based on the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The set of positioning reference signal resource allocations is associated with a radio access technology for communications between the communication network (100) and the wireless communication device (130).

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: - adapting (1104) the positioning reference signal resource allocation selected for the wireless communication device assigned to the group based on the one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device assigned to the group.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The one or more positioning conditions are obtained from a positioning application.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The method also includes sending (1106) the selected configuration of the positioning reference signal resource allocation to at least one of: The wireless communication device (130), one or more additional wireless communication devices; or One or more radio access nodes (101-103) of the communication network (130).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The configuration is identified using a predefined configuration specific identifier.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: - receiving a positioning reference signal (150) from the wireless communication device or sending (1107) the positioning reference signal to the wireless communication device (130) using the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation, wherein the positioning reference signal (150) indicates the configuration.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: - receiving (1110) a report indication of channel measurement information related to the positioning reference signal (150) from the wireless communication device (130), wherein the channel measurement information indicates the configuration.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The positioning reference signal resource allocation includes a beam configuration for transmitting the positioning reference signal (150), wherein the method further comprises: - receiving the positioning reference signal from the wireless communication device (150) or sending the positioning reference signal to the wireless communication device (150) using the beam configuration.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The network node (120) comprises a location server, wherein the positioning reference signal (150) comprises a downlink positioning reference signal, and wherein the method further comprises: sending (1106) the configuration of the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation to at least one or more radio access nodes (101-103) of the communication network (100) and the wireless communication device (130).

12. A method of operating a communication network comprising a network node (120) and a wireless communication device (130), the method comprising: - sending (1201) one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device (130) from the wireless communication device (130) to the network node (120) of the communication network (120), the positioning conditions reflecting the type, resource characteristics and / or positioning requirements of the wireless communication device, and - the network node selects (1102) a positioning reference signal resource allocation for a positioning reference signal (150) from a set of positioning reference signal resource allocations based on the one or more positioning conditions of the wireless communication device (130) and based on one or more further positioning reference signal resource allocations of one or more further wireless communication devices, and - creating (1103) the group by assigning the wireless communication device (130) and these wireless communication devices of the one or more further wireless communication devices into a group, for which the same positioning reference signal resources are selected, and - sending (1106, 1202) the selected configuration of reference signal resource allocation from the network node (120) to the wireless communication device (130) for transmitting a positioning reference signal (150).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The configuration is identified using a configuration specific identifier.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: - sending the positioning reference signal (150) the wireless communication device (130) to a radio access node (101-103) or receiving (1203) the positioning reference signal (150) at the wireless communication device (130) from a radio access node (101-103) using the selected positioning reference signal resource allocation, wherein the positioning reference signal (150) is indicative of the configuration.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: - sending (1207) from the wireless communication device (130) to the radio access node (101-103) a report indicating channel measurement information related to the received positioning reference signal (150), wherein the channel measurement information is indicative of the configuration.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein: The network node (120) comprises a location server, wherein the positioning reference signal (150) comprises a downlink positioning reference signal received by the wireless communication device (130).

17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The positioning reference signal resource allocation includes one or more of the following: - Timing information (150) for transmitting the positioning reference signal; - frequency information (150) used to transmit the positioning reference signal; and - Spatial information (150) for transmitting said positioning reference signal.

18. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The one or more positioning conditions include one or more of the following: an accuracy constraint on the positioning of the wireless communication device (130); delay constraints on positioning of the wireless communication device (130); and Energy consumption constraints of the wireless communication device (130).

19. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The one or more positioning conditions include a mobility level of the wireless communication device (130).

20. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The one or more positioning conditions include a channel measurement report of the wireless communication device (130).

21. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The one or more positioning conditions include one or more semi-static information elements and / or one or more dynamic information elements.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The one or more dynamic information elements include at least one group, the group including: a signal-to-noise ratio of the received positioning reference signal (150); a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio of the received positioning reference signal (150); a received power level of the received positioning reference signal (150); a measurement quality of the received positioning reference signal (150); the standard deviation of any of the foregoing dynamic information elements; Correlation peak width and power of the received positioning reference signal (150); and Estimated positioning accuracy.

23. A network node of a communication network, the network node (120) comprising a control circuit (121, 123), the network node (120) being configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

24. A wireless communication device of a communication network, the wireless communication device (130) comprising a control circuit (131, 133), wherein: The wireless communication device is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 12 to 22.

25. A system of a communication network, comprising a network node (120) according to claim 23 and a wireless communication device (130) according to claim 24.

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