Time information interaction methods and devices

Abstract

This disclosure discloses a time information exchange method, apparatus, device, and storage medium, belonging to the field of communication technology. The method includes receiving time information sent by a second terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information exchange" scenario to calibrate SL PRS time information, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a time information exchange method, apparatus, device and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In communication systems, positioning via a sidelink (SL) between terminal devices includes absolute positioning, relative positioning, and ranging. Ranging typically involves only two terminal devices, meaning distance is measured between them. However, absolute and relative positioning may involve multiple auxiliary terminal devices to improve accuracy. But when the clocks of multiple positioning reference terminal devices are out of sync, the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL positioning reference signals (PRS) is low, resulting in lower accuracy of location information determination. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure presents a time information exchange method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for calibrating SL PRS time information, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS and improve the accuracy of determining positioning information.

[0004] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a time information interaction method, which is executed by a first terminal device, and the method includes:

[0005] Receive time information sent by the second terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0006] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0007] The absolute time of SL PRS transmission;

[0008] The relative time of SL PRS transmission;

[0009] The timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device;

[0010] The absolute time of SL PRS reception;

[0011] The relative time of SL PRS reception;

[0012] The clock offset of the first terminal device;

[0013] The time offset of the timing of the downlink radio frame (DL) of the serving cell of the first terminal device.

[0014] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the absolute time includes at least one of the following:

[0015] Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) time;

[0016] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time.

[0017] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the timing offset of the SL link includes the time offset of the SL link radio frame of the first terminal device relative to a reference time, wherein the time offset relative to the reference time includes at least one of the following:

[0018] The timing of the DL radio frame relative to the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0019] Timing of radio frames relative to the SL link of the reference terminal device;

[0020] The timing of the downlink radio frame on the network device side of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0021] The timing of downlink radio frames relative to the terminal side or network equipment side of the reference cell.

[0022] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the clock offset of the first terminal device is the deviation of the internal clock of the first terminal device relative to a standard clock.

[0023] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0024] Receive the transmission time of SL PRS sent by at least one positioning reference terminal device, wherein the transmission time includes absolute transmission time or relative transmission time;

[0025] Based on the time of receiving the SL PRS and the time of transmission, at least one one-way propagation delay is determined;

[0026] The TDOA value is determined based on the difference between the at least one single-path propagation delay and the time offset, wherein the time offset includes the timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device and / or the clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0027] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0028] Receive time information sent by the second terminal device through at least one of the following messages;

[0029] Sidelink Control Information (SCI) messages;

[0030] Medium Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) message;

[0031] Radio Resource Control (RRC) message;

[0032] Non-access layer messages.

[0033] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the non-access stratum message includes at least one of the following:

[0034] Long Term Evolution (LTE) positioning protocol LPP messages;

[0035] Directly connected to the Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (SL LPP) messages for general mobile communication technologies;

[0036] PC5-S message.

[0037] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0038] Receive time synchronization source information sent by the second terminal device.

[0039] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0040] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS);

[0041] Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the GNSS clock;

[0042] Terminal equipment, next-generation NodeB (gNB), or evolved NodeB (eNB) that are directly synchronized to the GNSS clock;

[0043] Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0044] Terminal devices that indirectly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0045] Terminal devices with the lowest priority.

[0046] Another embodiment of this disclosure proposes a time information interaction method, which is executed by a first terminal device, and the method includes:

[0047] The system receives time information sent by the base station, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0048] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0049] Receive time synchronization source information sent by the base station.

[0050] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0051] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) clock;

[0052] Reference terminal device clock;

[0053] The base station's clock.

[0054] Another embodiment of this disclosure proposes a time information interaction method, which is executed by a second terminal device, and the method includes:

[0055] Time information is sent to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0056] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0057] The time information is received from the base station.

[0058] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, sending the time information to the first terminal device includes:

[0059] Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by the base station or at least one positioning assist terminal device, the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is determined as the reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0060] Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any absolute time of the transmission or reception of the at least one SLPRS other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0061] The relative time is sent to the first terminal device.

[0062] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0063] The timing offset of the SL link for at least one positioning assist terminal device;

[0064] The DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0065] The clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0066] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the step of sending time information to the first terminal device further includes:

[0067] Send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device.

[0068] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0069] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS);

[0070] Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the GNSS clock;

[0071] Terminal devices, gNBs, or eNBs that directly synchronize with the GNSS clock;

[0072] Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0073] Terminal devices that indirectly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0074] Terminal devices with the lowest priority.

[0075] Another embodiment of this disclosure proposes a time information interaction method, which is executed by a base station, and the method includes:

[0076] Time information is sent to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0077] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0078] Receive the time information sent by at least one positioning assistance terminal device.

[0079] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0080] Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by at least one positioning assist terminal device, the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is determined as the reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0081] Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any absolute time of the transmission or reception of the at least one SLPRS other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0082] The relative time is sent to the first terminal device.

[0083] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0084] Send at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception to the second terminal device.

[0085] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, before sending the time information to the first terminal device, at least one of the following is further included:

[0086] Obtain the timing offset of the SL link of at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device sent by at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device;

[0087] Obtain the DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0088] Obtain the clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0089] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0090] Send at least one of the following time offsets to the second terminal device:

[0091] The timing offset of the SL link for at least one positioning assist terminal device;

[0092] The DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0093] The clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0094] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0095] Send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device.

[0096] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0097] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) clock information;

[0098] Reference terminal device clock information;

[0099] Clock information of the base station.

[0100] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0101] Receive the time information sent by the network-side device.

[0102] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a time information interaction device, the device being disposed on a first terminal device side, the device comprising:

[0103] The receiving module is used to receive time information sent by the second device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SLPRS time information.

[0104] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a time information interaction device, the device being disposed on a first terminal device side, the device comprising:

[0105] A receiving module is used to receive time information sent by the base station, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information.

[0106] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a time information interaction device, the device being disposed on a second terminal device side, the device comprising:

[0107] A sending module is used to send time information to a first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SLPRS time information.

[0108] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a time information interaction device, the device being disposed on a base station side, the device comprising:

[0109] A sending module is used to send time information to a first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SLPRS time information.

[0110] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a first terminal device, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in the preceding aspect of the embodiment.

[0111] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a first terminal device, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in the preceding aspect of the embodiment.

[0112] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a second terminal device, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in the preceding aspect of the embodiment.

[0113] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a base station is provided, the device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in the preceding aspect of the embodiment.

[0114] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit;

[0115] The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor;

[0116] The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as proposed in one aspect of the embodiments.

[0117] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit;

[0118] The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor;

[0119] The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as proposed in one aspect of the embodiments.

[0120] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit;

[0121] The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor;

[0122] The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as proposed in one aspect of the embodiments.

[0123] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit;

[0124] The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor;

[0125] The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as proposed in one aspect of the embodiments.

[0126] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in one aspect of the disclosure to be implemented.

[0127] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in another aspect of this disclosure to be implemented.

[0128] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method described in one aspect of the disclosure to be implemented.

[0129] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in another aspect of this disclosure to be implemented.

[0130] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, time information sent by a second terminal device is received, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information. In the embodiments of this disclosure, time information between multiple SL PRS channels can be calibrated, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels, reduce the occurrence of inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario to calibrate SL PRS time information, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. Attached Figure Description

[0131] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0132] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a time information interaction method provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0133] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] Figure 3 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0135] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0136] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0137] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0138] Figure 7 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0139] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0140] Figure 9 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0141] Figure 10A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0142] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0143] Figure 12 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0144] Figure 13 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0145] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0146] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0147] Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0148] Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0149] Figure 18 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0150] Figure 19 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0151] Figure 20 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0152] Figure 21 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0153] Figure 22 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0154] Figure 23 A flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0155] Figure 24This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0156] Figure 25 A schematic diagram of the structure of a time information interaction device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0157] Figure 26 A schematic diagram of the structure of a time information interaction device provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0158] Figure 27 A schematic diagram of the structure of a time information interaction device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0159] Figure 28 A schematic diagram of the structure of a time information interaction device provided in another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0160] Figure 29 A block diagram of a terminal device provided in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0161] Figure 30 This is a block diagram of a base station provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0162] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0163] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0164] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various information in embodiments of this disclosure, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first information may also be referred to as second information without departing from the scope of embodiments of this disclosure, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the words “if” and “suppose” as used herein may be interpreted as “when”, “when”, or “in response to a determination”.

[0165] The network elements or network functions involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by independent hardware devices or by software in hardware devices. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0166] Positioning based on the user equipment (UE) and the sidelink link between UEs includes absolute positioning, relative positioning, and ranging. Absolute positioning determines the absolute coordinates of the UE, relative positioning determines the coordinates of the UE relative to a reference point, and ranging determines the distance and / or angle of the UE relative to a reference point. Ranging usually refers to distance measurement between only two UEs, but absolute and relative positioning may involve multiple auxiliary UEs participating in the positioning process.

[0167] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an example of a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, taking the positioning method based on downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) as an example, multiple Road Side Units (RSUs) can be set up on the roadside, and each RSU can correspond to fixed location information. The UE determines its specific position relative to the RSUs by measuring the positioning signals transmitted by the multiple RSUs through the sidelink. The multiple RSUs can be, for example, three or more. For example, the positioning signals may include the location information of the RSUs. The UE can, for example, measure the time difference of arrival of three positioning signals transmitted by three RSUs. Based on the time difference of arrival of the three positioning signals and the location information of each RSU, the UE can determine its own location information, or its location information relative to a specific RSU.

[0168] Besides DL-TDOA, other positioning schemes include Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDOA), Multiple Round Trip Time (Multiple RTT), Angle of Arrival (AOA) or Angle of Departure (AOD), carrier phase positioning, and so on. If the positioning result does not convert absolute position information such as GPS from the RSU into absolute position coordinates, then the positioning result is relative positioning. Otherwise, it is absolute positioning. The RSU involved in relative or absolute positioning is the positioning-assisted UE.

[0169] In one embodiment of this disclosure, if positioning involves only two UEs, then the two UEs are each other's positioning assistance UEs.

[0170] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, different types of positioning-assisted UEs exist, such as RSU-type positioning-assisted UEs. RSU-type positioning-assisted UEs are a type of infrastructure that can provide positioning services by collaborating with other RSUs. For example, a regular UE can also function as a positioning-assisted UE, but it would be difficult for it to assist in providing positioning services with other UEs. Additionally, some positioning-assisted UEs possess location information such as GPS, which can assist other UEs in absolute positioning; others may not possess location information such as Global Positioning System (GPS).

[0171] The following is a detailed description of a time information interaction method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0172] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0173] Step 201: Receive time information sent by the second terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0174] It should be noted that, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. The terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks via a RAN (Radio Access Network). The terminal device can be an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal, such as a sensor device, a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone), and a computer with an IoT terminal. For example, it can be a fixed, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted device. Examples include a station (STA), subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user agent. Alternatively, the terminal device can also be a device from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Alternatively, the terminal device can also be a vehicle-mounted device, such as a vehicle computer with wireless communication capabilities, or a wireless terminal connected to an external vehicle computer. Alternatively, the terminal device can also be a roadside device, such as a street light, traffic light, or other roadside device with wireless communication capabilities.

[0175] In one embodiment of this disclosure... Figure 3 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the second terminal device can send time information to the first terminal device. The first terminal device can receive the time information sent by the second terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0176] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the SL PRS time information can be applied to at least one positioning method. The at least one positioning method includes, but is not limited to, SL TDOA positioning, Multi-RTT positioning, etc.

[0177] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device may be, for example, a location-targeted terminal device. The first terminal device can calibrate its SL PRS time information based on the time information sent by the second terminal device. The first terminal device can then perform SL TDOA positioning based on the calibrated SL PRS time information to determine its location information.

[0178] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device includes at least one of the following:

[0179] Positioning auxiliary terminal equipment;

[0180] The terminal device being located;

[0181] The terminal device that sends the SL PRS configuration to the first terminal device.

[0182] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device may be, for example, a device that interacts with the first terminal device to exchange time information. This second terminal device may be, for example, an infrastructure terminal device. The infrastructure terminal device is a type of terminal device specifically providing positioning functions, such as a roadside unit (RSU), or other terminal devices that can provide positioning services. The terminal device providing positioning services may be, for example, a terminal device with GNSS location information. Infrastructure terminal devices can be classified as primary infrastructure or secondary infrastructure, and the second terminal device may be either primary infrastructure or secondary infrastructure.

[0183] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when TDOA positioning is used, if the first terminal device sends a PRS, multiple infrastructure terminal devices can receive the PRS and measure the PRS reception time to determine the location information of the first terminal device.

[0184] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when TDOA positioning is used, if multiple infrastructure terminal devices send PRS, the first terminal device can receive the PRS sent by the multiple infrastructure terminal devices, determine the reception time of the multiple PRS, and calculate the reception time difference between the multiple PRS based on the reception time.

[0185] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0186] The absolute time of SL PRS transmission;

[0187] The relative time of SL PRS transmission;

[0188] The timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device;

[0189] The absolute time of SL PRS reception;

[0190] The relative time of SL PRS reception;

[0191] Clock offset of the first terminal device;

[0192] The time offset of the timing of the downlink radio frame (DL) of the serving cell of the first terminal device.

[0193] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, absolute time includes at least one of the following:

[0194] Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

[0195] GNSS time.

[0196] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device and the second terminal device may only exchange absolute time information. For instance, the first terminal device and the second terminal device may not need to exchange the year, month, and day portions, but only the hour, minute, second, microsecond, and nanosecond portions.

[0197] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the relative time may be relative to the time of a reference terminal device. For instance, the transmission time of the SL PRS of the first terminal device may be relative to the transmission time of the SL PRS of the reference terminal device, and the reception time of the SL PRS of the first terminal device may be relative to the reception time of the SL PRS of the reference terminal device.

[0198] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the timing offset of the SL link includes the time offset of the SL link radio frame of the first terminal device relative to a reference time, wherein the time offset relative to the reference time includes at least one of the following:

[0199] The timing of the DL radio frame relative to the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0200] Timing of radio frames relative to the SL link of the reference terminal device;

[0201] The timing of the downlink radio frame on the network equipment side of the serving cell relative to the first terminal device;

[0202] The timing of downlink radio frames relative to the terminal side or network equipment side of the reference cell.

[0203] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the timing offset may be, for example, the time offset of the SL link radio frame of the first terminal device, and the unit of the timing offset may be, for example, nanoseconds.

[0204] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the uplink (UL) carrier frequency of the serving cell or reference cell is the same as the SL link frequency.

[0205] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the clock offset of the first terminal device is the deviation of the internal clock of the first terminal device relative to a standard clock.

[0206] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the unit of clock offset of the first terminal device may be, for example, nanometers.

[0207] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the synchronization source or standard clock of the internal clock may be at least one of a GNSS clock, a base station clock, or a clock of a reference terminal device.

[0208] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time offset of the DL radioframe timing of the serving cell of the first terminal device can be, for example, the time offset between the DL radio frame timing of the serving cell of the first terminal device and the DL radio frame timing of the reference cell. The DL radio frame timing of the reference cell can be, for example, at the base station side or the terminal device side. Optionally, the uplink carrier frequency of the serving cell or the reference cell is the same as the SL link frequency.

[0209] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information may include time information from one or more terminal devices, wherein the one or more terminal devices may be, for example, terminal devices participating in positioning PRS transmission or reception. The one or more terminal devices may include, for example, a first terminal device or a second terminal device, or may not include the first terminal device or the second terminal device.

[0210] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0211] Receive the transmission time of SL PRS sent by at least one positioning reference terminal device, wherein the transmission time includes absolute transmission time or relative transmission time;

[0212] Based on the time of receiving the SL PRS and the time of sending it, at least one one-way propagation delay is determined;

[0213] The TDOA value is determined based on the difference between at least one single-path propagation delays and the time offset, wherein the time offset includes the timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device and / or the clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0214] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0215] Receive time information sent by the second terminal device through at least one of the following messages;

[0216] SCI News;

[0217] MAC CE message;

[0218] RRC message;

[0219] Non-access layer messages.

[0220] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the first terminal device receives time information sent by the second terminal device, it can receive the time information sent by the second terminal device, for example, through an SCI message. Alternatively, the first terminal device can receive the time information sent by the second terminal device, for example, through a MAC CE message. Or, the first terminal device can receive the time information sent by the second terminal device, for example, through an RRC message.

[0221] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the non-access stratum message includes at least one of the following:

[0222] LPP message;

[0223] SL LPP message;

[0224] PC5-S message.

[0225] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the first terminal device receives time information sent by the second terminal device, it can receive the time information sent by the second terminal device, for example, through a non-access stratum message. Here, the non-access stratum message does not specifically refer to a particular fixed message. For example, the non-access stratum message can be an LPP message, or it can also be an SL LPP message.

[0226] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0227] Receive time synchronization source information sent by the second terminal device.

[0228] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0229] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS);

[0230] Terminal equipment that directly synchronizes with the GNSS clock;

[0231] Terminal devices, gNBs, or eNBs that are directly synchronized to the GNSS clock;

[0232] Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0233] Terminal devices that indirectly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0234] Terminal devices with the lowest priority.

[0235] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the time synchronization source is a terminal device, the time synchronization source information includes the terminal device identifier. Examples include the Sidelink Link System Information Identifier (SLSSID) and the Sidelink Link Layer 2 Identifier (SL L2 destination ID). When the time synchronization source is a base station, the time synchronization source information includes the base station's Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) or Global Cell Identifier (GCI).

[0236] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, time information sent by a second terminal device is received, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information. In the embodiments of this disclosure, time information between multiple SL PRS channels can be calibrated, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels, reduce the occurrence of inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario to calibrate SL PRS time information, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0237] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0238] Step 401: Receive the transmission time of SL PRS sent by at least one positioning reference terminal device, wherein the transmission time includes absolute transmission time or relative transmission time;

[0239] Step 402: Based on the time of receiving SL PRS and the time of transmission, determine at least one one-way propagation delay;

[0240] Step 403: Determine the TDOA value based on the difference between at least one one-way propagation delays.

[0241] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes the transmission time of the SL PRS, which includes either the absolute transmission time or the relative transmission time of the SL PRS.

[0242] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device can receive the transmission time of an SL PRS sent by at least one positioning reference terminal device. The first terminal device can determine at least one one-way propagation delay based on the time of receiving the SL PRS and the transmission time. The at least one one-way propagation delay can be, for example, the one-way propagation delay corresponding to at least one SL PRS, i.e., one SL PRS corresponds to one one-way propagation delay. The first terminal device can calculate the difference between the at least one one-way propagation delay to determine the TDOA value.

[0243] In one embodiment of this disclosure, for example, when the first terminal device sends an SL PRS to multiple positioning reference terminal devices, the multiple positioning reference terminal devices can obtain a TDOA value based on the difference between the absolute or relative time of each receiving SL PRS.

[0244] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the transmission time of SL PRS sent by at least one positioning reference terminal device is received, wherein the transmission time includes absolute transmission time or relative transmission time; at least one one-way propagation delay is determined based on the time of receiving SL PRS and the transmission time; and a TDOA value is determined based on the difference between the at least one one-way propagation delay. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the time difference between multiple SL PRS can be determined, and the location information of the first terminal device can be determined using SL TDOA positioning.

[0245] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0246] Step 501: Receive the transmission time of SL PRS sent by at least one positioning reference terminal device, wherein the transmission time includes absolute transmission time or relative transmission time;

[0247] Step 502: Based on the time of receiving SL PRS and the time of transmission, determine at least one one-way propagation delay;

[0248] Step 503: Determine the TDOA value based on the difference between at least one-way propagation delays and the time offset, wherein the time offset includes the time offset of the SL link and / or the clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0249] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device can receive the transmission time of an SL PRS sent by at least one positioning reference terminal device. The first terminal device can determine at least one one-way propagation delay based on the time of receiving the SL PRS and the transmission time. The at least one one-way propagation delay can be, for example, the one-way propagation delay corresponding to at least one SL PRS, i.e., one SL PRS corresponds to one one-way propagation delay. For example, if the transmission time does not correct for clock offset or SL link time offset, the first terminal device can determine a TDOA value based on the difference between at least one one-way propagation delays and the time offset, wherein the time offset includes the SL link time offset and / or the clock offset of the first terminal device. The first terminal device determining the TDOA value based on the difference between at least one one-way propagation delays and the time offset can, for example, involve the first terminal device correcting for at least one one-way propagation delay using the time offset before determining the TDOA value.

[0250] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the transmission time of SL PRS sent by at least one positioning reference terminal device is received, wherein the transmission time includes absolute transmission time or relative transmission time; at least one one-way propagation delay is determined based on the time of receiving SL PRS and the transmission time; and a TDOA value is determined based on the difference between at least one one-way propagation delay and the time offset, wherein the time offset includes the time offset of the SL link and / or the clock offset of the first terminal device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the difference between at least one one-way propagation delay can be calibrated, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS, reduce the occurrence of inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario to calibrate SL PRS time information, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0251] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0252] Step 601: Receive time information sent by the second terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information;

[0253] Step 602: Receive time synchronization source information sent by the second terminal device.

[0254] In one embodiment of this disclosure, steps 601 and 602 can be executed simultaneously, meaning that the first terminal device can receive time synchronization source information sent by the second terminal device while simultaneously receiving time information sent by the second terminal device.

[0255] In one embodiment of this disclosure... Figure 7 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the second terminal device can send time information to the first terminal device and simultaneously send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device. The first terminal device can receive the time information and time synchronization source information sent by the second terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0256] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0257] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS);

[0258] Terminal equipment that directly synchronizes with the GNSS clock;

[0259] Terminal devices, gNBs, or eNBs that are directly synchronized to the GNSS clock;

[0260] Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0261] Terminal devices that indirectly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0262] Terminal devices with the lowest priority.

[0263] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, time information sent by a second terminal device is received, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information; and time synchronization source information sent by the second terminal device is also received. In the embodiments of this disclosure, receiving both time information and time synchronization source information sent by the second terminal device can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs, reduce inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, calibrating SL PRS time information based on the time information and time synchronization source information sent by the second terminal device, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0264] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a first terminal device, such as... Figure 8As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0265] Step 801: Receive time information sent by the base station, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0266] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0267] Receive time synchronization source information sent by the base station.

[0268] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal device can simultaneously receive time information and time synchronization source information sent by the base station, or it can receive time information and time synchronization source information sent by the base station separately.

[0269] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0270] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) clock;

[0271] Reference terminal device clock;

[0272] The base station's clock.

[0273] Specifically, the clock of the reference terminal device can be the GNSS clock of the reference terminal device or the base station clock source of the reference terminal device.

[0274] In one embodiment of this disclosure... Figure 9 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the base station can send time information to the first terminal device. The first terminal device can receive the time information sent by the base station, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0275] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the network-side device is an LMF (Local Time Function). The base station can receive time information transmitted by the LMF. The base station transmits time information to a first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS (Signal Time System) time information. The first terminal device can receive the time information transmitted by the base station.

[0276] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, a base station can receive time information sent by at least one positioning assist terminal device. The base station sends the time information to a first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information. The first terminal device can receive the time information sent by the base station.

[0277] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, time information transmitted by the base station is received, and this time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the time information between multiple SL PRSs can be calibrated, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs, reduce the occurrence of inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information exchange" scenario to calibrate SL PRS time information, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0278] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a second terminal device, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0279] Step 1001: Send time information to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0280] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the SL PRS time information can be applied to at least one positioning method. The at least one positioning method includes, but is not limited to, SL TDOA positioning, Multi-RTT positioning, etc.

[0281] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0282] Receive time information sent by the base station.

[0283] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, sending time information to a first terminal device includes:

[0284] Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception transmitted by the base station, the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is determined as the reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0285] Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS transmission or reception absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0286] Send the relative time to the first terminal device.

[0287] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0288] The timing offset of the SL link for at least one positioning assist terminal device;

[0289] The DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0290] Clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0291] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, sending time information to the first terminal device also includes:

[0292] Send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device.

[0293] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0294] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS);

[0295] Terminal equipment that directly synchronizes with the GNSS clock;

[0296] Terminal devices, gNBs, or eNBs that are directly synchronized to the GNSS clock;

[0297] Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0298] Terminal devices that indirectly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0299] Terminal devices with the lowest priority.

[0300] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device interacts with the first terminal device through at least one of the following messages;

[0301] SCI News;

[0302] MAC CE message;

[0303] RRC message;

[0304] Non-access layer messages.

[0305] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the non-access stratum message includes at least one of the following:

[0306] LPP message;

[0307] SL LPP message;

[0308] PC5-S message.

[0309] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0310] The absolute time of SL PRS transmission;

[0311] The relative time of SL PRS transmission;

[0312] The timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device;

[0313] The absolute time of SL PRS reception;

[0314] The relative time of SL PRS reception;

[0315] Clock offset of the first terminal device;

[0316] The time offset of the downlink radio frame timing of the serving cell of the first terminal device.

[0317] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, absolute time includes at least one of the following:

[0318] Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

[0319] GNSS time.

[0320] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the timing offset of the SL link includes the time offset of the SL link radio frame of the first terminal device relative to a reference time, wherein the time offset relative to the reference time includes at least one of the following:

[0321] The timing of the DL radio frame relative to the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0322] Timing of radio frames relative to the SL link of the reference terminal device;

[0323] The timing of the downlink radio frame on the network equipment side of the serving cell relative to the first terminal device;

[0324] The timing of downlink radio frames relative to the terminal side or network equipment side of the reference cell.

[0325] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the clock offset of the first terminal device is the deviation of the internal clock of the first terminal device relative to a standard clock.

[0326] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, time information is sent to the first terminal device, whereby the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information. In these embodiments, sending time information to the first terminal device allows the first terminal device to calibrate the time information between multiple SL PRS channels, improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels, reducing inaccurate positioning information determination, and ultimately improving the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, by sending time information to the first terminal device to calibrate the SL PRS time information, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels and ultimately improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0327] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a second terminal device, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0328] Step 1101: Receive time information sent by the base station, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information;

[0329] Step 1102: Send time information to the first terminal device.

[0330] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 12 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 12 As shown, the base station can send time information to the second terminal device. The second terminal device can receive the time information sent by the base station, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information. The second terminal device can send this time information to the first terminal device. The first terminal device can receive the time information sent by the second terminal device and calibrate the SL PRS time information based on this time information.

[0331] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 13 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 13As shown, the network-side device is a location management function (LMF). The LMF can send time information to the base station. The base station can send time information to the second terminal device. The second terminal device can receive the time information sent by the base station, whereby the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information. The second terminal device can send this time information to the first terminal device. The first terminal device can receive the time information sent by the second terminal device and calibrate the SL PRS time information based on this time information.

[0332] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0333] The timing offset of the SL link for at least one positioning assist terminal device;

[0334] The DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0335] Clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0336] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the network-side device may be, for example, an LMF (Local Multi-Functional Array). When the base station or LMF obtains the SL link timing offset of the first terminal device, if the deviation is calculated based on the DL timing of the Uu interface or the DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device, the base station or LMF may take into account the time delay of the DL signal transmission from the network-side device to the first terminal device. This event delay may be determined based on the relative distance between the base station and the first terminal device. The relative distance between the base station and the first terminal device may be determined using positioning methods such as Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDOA), DL-TDOA, Multiple Round Trip Time (Multiple RTT), AOA or AOD, GNSS, etc., or by using pre-measured values.

[0337] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device interacts with the base station or the first terminal device through at least one of the following messages;

[0338] SCI News;

[0339] MAC CE message;

[0340] RRC message;

[0341] Non-access layer messages.

[0342] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the non-access stratum message includes at least one of the following:

[0343] LPP message;

[0344] SL LPP message;

[0345] PC5-S message.

[0346] In some disclosed embodiments, the SCI message can be a control message sent on the sidelink. The RRC message can be a system message sent on the sidelink. The MAC CE message can be a message sent on the sidelink. The MAC CE message is used to indicate how to allocate channel usage rights when contention arises for the use of a shared channel.

[0347] In some disclosed embodiments, LPP messages can be, for example, positioning protocols transmitted between terminal devices. LPP messages can support various positioning methods, such as Assisted Global Navigation Satellite System (A-GNSS), OTDOA, and hybrid A-GNSS and OTDOA positioning. SLLPP messages can be, for example, positioning protocols transmitted between terminal devices via a sidelink. PC5-S messages refer to messages transmitted between terminal devices via the PC5-S interface.

[0348] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0349] The absolute time of SL PRS transmission;

[0350] The relative time of SL PRS transmission;

[0351] The timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device;

[0352] The absolute time of SL PRS reception;

[0353] The relative time of SL PRS reception;

[0354] Clock offset of the first terminal device;

[0355] The time offset of the downlink radio frame timing of the serving cell of the first terminal device.

[0356] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, absolute time includes at least one of the following:

[0357] Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

[0358] GNSS time.

[0359] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the timing offset of the SL link includes the time offset of the SL link radio frame of the first terminal device relative to a reference time, wherein the time offset relative to the reference time includes at least one of the following:

[0360] The timing of the DL radio frame relative to the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0361] Timing of radio frames relative to the SL link of the reference terminal device;

[0362] The timing of the downlink radio frame on the network equipment side of the serving cell relative to the first terminal device;

[0363] The timing of downlink radio frames relative to the terminal side or network equipment side of the reference cell.

[0364] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the clock offset of the first terminal device is the deviation of the internal clock of the first terminal device relative to a standard clock.

[0365] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, time information sent by a base station is received, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information; and the time information is sent to a first terminal device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, time information sent by a base station can be received, and time information can be sent to a first terminal device. The first terminal device calibrates the time information between multiple SL PRSs, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs, reduce the occurrence of inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, by sending time information to a first terminal device and calibrating the SL PRS time information using the first terminal device, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0366] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a second terminal device, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0367] Step 1401: Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by the base station or at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device, determine the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception as the reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0368] Step 1402: Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0369] Step 1403: Send the relative time to the first terminal device.

[0370] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device can receive at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception sent by a base station or at least one positioning assist terminal device. The second terminal device can determine a first absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception as a reference time based on the at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception sent by the base station or at least one positioning assist terminal device, wherein the first absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the at least one absolute times of SL PRS transmission or reception; the second terminal device can calculate the relative time between the second absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception and the first absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the second absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the at least one absolute times of SL PRS transmission or reception other than the first absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception; the second terminal device can transmit the relative time to the first terminal device.

[0371] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the relative time of the reference SL PRS may be zero, and the second terminal device may not send the relative time of the reference SL PRS to the first terminal device. The first terminal device may assume that the relative time of the SL PRS that has not been received is zero.

[0372] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device interacts with the terminal device through at least one of the following messages;

[0373] SCI News;

[0374] MAC CE message;

[0375] RRC message;

[0376] Non-access layer messages.

[0377] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the non-access stratum message includes at least one of the following:

[0378] LPP message;

[0379] SL LPP message;

[0380] PC5-S message.

[0381] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0382] The absolute time of SL PRS transmission;

[0383] The relative time of SL PRS transmission;

[0384] The timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device;

[0385] The absolute time of SL PRS reception;

[0386] The relative time of SL PRS reception;

[0387] Clock offset of the first terminal device;

[0388] The time offset of the downlink radio frame timing of the serving cell of the first terminal device.

[0389] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, absolute time includes at least one of the following:

[0390] Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

[0391] GNSS time.

[0392] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the timing offset of the SL link includes the time offset of the SL link radio frame of the first terminal device relative to a reference time, wherein the time offset relative to the reference time includes at least one of the following:

[0393] The timing of the DL radio frame relative to the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0394] Timing of radio frames relative to the SL link of the reference terminal device;

[0395] The timing of the downlink radio frame on the network equipment side of the serving cell relative to the first terminal device;

[0396] The timing of downlink radio frames relative to the terminal side or network equipment side of the reference cell.

[0397] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the clock offset of the first terminal device is the deviation of the internal clock of the first terminal device relative to a standard clock.

[0398] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception transmitted or received by a base station or at least one positioning assist terminal device, the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is determined as a reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception absolute times; the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is calculated, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the at least one SL PRS absolute times other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception; the relative time is transmitted to the first terminal device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, time information can be transmitted to the first terminal device so that the first terminal device can calibrate the time information between multiple SL PRSs, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs, reduce the situation of inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. The embodiments of this disclosure disclose the characteristic that the transmitted time information is a relative time, and the specific scheme for determining the relative time, so as to improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information exchange" scenario, which sends time information to a first terminal device and uses the first terminal device to calibrate the SL PRS time information, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS and improving the accuracy of determining positioning information.

[0399] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a second terminal device, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0400] Step 1501: Send time information to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information;

[0401] Step 1502: Send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device.

[0402] In one embodiment of this disclosure, steps 1501 and 1502 can be executed simultaneously or separately. That is, the second terminal device can send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device at the same time as sending time information to the first terminal device, or it can send time information to the first terminal device first and then send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device.

[0403] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0404] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS);

[0405] Terminal equipment that directly synchronizes with the GNSS clock;

[0406] Terminal devices, gNBs, or eNBs that are directly synchronized to the GNSS clock;

[0407] Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0408] Terminal devices that indirectly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0409] Terminal devices with the lowest priority.

[0410] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the second terminal device interacts with the first terminal device through at least one of the following messages;

[0411] SCI News;

[0412] MAC CE message;

[0413] RRC message;

[0414] Non-access layer messages.

[0415] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the non-access stratum message includes at least one of the following:

[0416] LPP message;

[0417] SL LPP message;

[0418] PC5-S message.

[0419] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0420] The absolute time of SL PRS transmission;

[0421] The relative time of SL PRS transmission;

[0422] The timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device;

[0423] The absolute time of SL PRS reception;

[0424] The relative time of SL PRS reception;

[0425] Clock offset of the first terminal device;

[0426] The time offset of the downlink radio frame timing of the serving cell of the first terminal device.

[0427] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, absolute time includes at least one of the following:

[0428] Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

[0429] GNSS time.

[0430] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the timing offset of the SL link includes the time offset of the SL link radio frame of the first terminal device relative to a reference time, wherein the time offset relative to the reference time includes at least one of the following:

[0431] The timing of the DL radio frame relative to the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0432] Timing of radio frames relative to the SL link of the reference terminal device;

[0433] The timing of the downlink radio frame on the network equipment side of the serving cell relative to the first terminal device;

[0434] The timing of downlink radio frames relative to the terminal side or network equipment side of the reference cell.

[0435] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the clock offset of the first terminal device is the deviation of the internal clock of the first terminal device relative to a standard clock.

[0436] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, time information sent by the second device is received, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information; simultaneously, time synchronization source information is sent to the first terminal device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, time information can be interacted with the second device, and time information can be sent to the first terminal device so that the first terminal device can calibrate the time information between multiple SL PRSs, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs, reducing inaccurate positioning information determination, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination. The embodiments of this disclosure also disclose a specific scheme for sending time synchronization source information to the first terminal device to improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, in which time information is sent to the first terminal device, and the first terminal device calibrates the SL PRS time information, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0437] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a base station, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0438] Step 1601: Send time information to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0439] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0440] Receive time information sent by at least one positioning assistance terminal device.

[0441] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0442] Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by at least one positioning assist terminal device, the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is determined as the reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0443] Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS transmission or reception absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0444] Send the relative time to the first terminal device.

[0445] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0446] Send at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception to the second terminal device.

[0447] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, before sending the time information to the first terminal device, at least one of the following is included:

[0448] Obtain the timing offset of the SL link of at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device sent by at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device;

[0449] Obtain the DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0450] Obtain the clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0451] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the base station can send time information to the first terminal device, the time information may include at least one of the following time offsets:

[0452] The timing offset of the SL link for at least one positioning assist terminal device;

[0453] The DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0454] Clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0455] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0456] Send at least one of the following time offsets to the second terminal device:

[0457] The timing offset of the SL link for at least one positioning assist terminal device;

[0458] The DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0459] Clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0460] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0461] Send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device.

[0462] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0463] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) clock information;

[0464] Reference terminal device clock information;

[0465] Clock information of the base station.

[0466] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the method further includes:

[0467] Receive time information sent by network-side devices.

[0468] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, time information is sent to the first terminal device, whereby the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information. In these embodiments, sending time information to the first terminal device allows the first terminal device to calibrate the time information between multiple SL PRS channels, improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels, reducing inaccurate positioning information determination, and ultimately improving the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, by sending time information to the first terminal device to calibrate the SL PRS time information, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels and ultimately improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0469] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a base station, such as... Figure 22 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0470] Step 1701: Receive time information sent by at least one positioning assistance terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information;

[0471] Step 1702: Send time information to the first terminal device.

[0472] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the base station can receive time information sent by at least one positioning assist terminal device. The base station sends the time information to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information.

[0473] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, time information sent by at least one positioning assist terminal device is received; the time information is sent to a first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information. In the embodiments of this disclosure, time information can be sent to the first terminal device so that the first terminal device can calibrate the time information between multiple SL PRSs, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs, reduce the occurrence of inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. The embodiments of this disclosure also disclose specific schemes for sending and receiving time information transmitted by at least one positioning assist terminal device and a base station to improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, in which time information is sent to the first terminal device so that the first terminal device can calibrate the SL PRS time information, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0474] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a base station, such as... Figure 18 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0475] Step 1801: Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by at least one positioning assist terminal device, determine the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception as a reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0476] Step 1802: Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS transmission or reception absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0477] Step 1803: Send the relative time to the first terminal device.

[0478] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the detailed process of steps 1801-1803 is as described above.

[0479] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the relative time of the reference SL PRS may be zero, and the second terminal device may not send the relative time of the reference SL PRS to the first terminal device. The first terminal device may assume that the relative time of the SL PRS that has not been received is zero.

[0480] In summary, in the embodiments disclosed herein, Figure 19 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 19 As shown, the base station can determine a relative time based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmitted or received by at least one positioning assist terminal device, and send the relative time to the first terminal device. In this embodiment, sending the relative time to the first terminal device allows the first terminal device to calibrate the time information between multiple SL PRSs, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs, reduce the occurrence of inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, in which the relative time is sent to the first terminal device, and the first terminal device calibrates the SL PRS time information, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0481] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a base station, such as... Figure 20 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0482] Step 2001: Receive at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception from at least one positioning assist terminal device;

[0483] Step 2002: Send at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception to the second terminal device.

[0484] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the base station interacts with the terminal device through at least one of the following messages;

[0485] SCI News;

[0486] MAC CE message;

[0487] RRC message;

[0488] Non-access layer messages.

[0489] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the non-access stratum message includes at least one of the following:

[0490] LPP message;

[0491] SL LPP message;

[0492] PC5-S message.

[0493] In one embodiment of this disclosure... Figure 21 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 21 As shown, the base station can receive at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception from at least one positioning assist terminal device. The base station can send at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception to a second terminal device. The second terminal device can receive at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception sent by the base station. The second terminal device can determine a first absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception as a reference time based on the received at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the first absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the at least one absolute times of SL PRS transmission or reception; the second terminal device can calculate the relative time between the second absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception and the first absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the second absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the at least one absolute times of SL PRS transmission or reception other than the first absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception; the second terminal device can then send the relative time to the first terminal device.

[0494] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the base station can receive at least one absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by at least one positioning assist terminal device; and send at least one absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception to a second terminal device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a relative time can be sent to the second terminal device, which then sends the relative time to the first terminal device. The first terminal device calibrates the time information between multiple SL PRSs, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs, reduce inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, which involves sending a relative time to the second terminal device, the second terminal device sending the relative time to the first terminal device, and the first terminal device calibrating the SL PRS time information. This can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRSs and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0495] Figure 22This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a base station, such as... Figure 22 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0496] Step 2201: Send time information to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information;

[0497] Step 2202: Send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device.

[0498] In one embodiment of this disclosure, steps 2201 and 2202 can be executed simultaneously or separately. That is, the base station can send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device at the same time as sending time information to the first terminal device, or it can send time information to the first terminal device first and then send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device.

[0499] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0500] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) clock;

[0501] Reference terminal device clock;

[0502] The base station's clock.

[0503] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the base station interacts with the first terminal device through at least one of the following messages;

[0504] SCI News;

[0505] MAC CE message;

[0506] RRC message;

[0507] Non-access layer messages.

[0508] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the non-access stratum message includes at least one of the following:

[0509] LPP message;

[0510] SL LPP message;

[0511] PC5-S message.

[0512] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0513] The absolute time of SL PRS transmission;

[0514] The relative time of SL PRS transmission;

[0515] The timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device;

[0516] The absolute time of SL PRS reception;

[0517] The relative time of SL PRS reception;

[0518] Clock offset of the first terminal device;

[0519] The time offset of the downlink radio frame timing of the serving cell of the first terminal device.

[0520] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, absolute time includes at least one of the following:

[0521] Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

[0522] GNSS time.

[0523] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the timing offset of the SL link includes the time offset of the SL link radio frame of the first terminal device relative to a reference time, wherein the time offset relative to the reference time includes at least one of the following:

[0524] The timing of the DL radio frame relative to the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0525] Timing of radio frames relative to the SL link of the reference terminal device;

[0526] The timing of the downlink radio frame on the network equipment side of the serving cell relative to the first terminal device;

[0527] The timing of downlink radio frames relative to the terminal side or network equipment side of the reference cell.

[0528] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the clock offset of the first terminal device is the deviation of the internal clock of the first terminal device relative to a standard clock.

[0529] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, time information is sent to the first terminal device simultaneously with time synchronization source information. In these embodiments, both time information and time synchronization source information can be sent to the first terminal device, allowing the first terminal device to calibrate the time information between multiple SL PRS channels. This improves the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels, reduces inaccurate positioning information determination, and enhances the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure also discloses a specific scheme for sending time synchronization source information to the first terminal device to improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, where the first device sends time information to the first terminal device, and the first terminal device calibrates the SL PRS time information, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels and enhancing the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0530] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method is executed by a base station, such as... Figure 23 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0531] Step 2301: Receive time information sent by the network-side device;

[0532] Step 2302: Send time information to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0533] In one embodiment of this disclosure... Figure 24 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a time information interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 24 As shown, the network-side device is an LMF (Light Filter Function). The base station can receive time information sent by the LMF. The base station sends time information to the first terminal device, where the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS (Light Filtered Rectifier) ​​time information.

[0534] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0535] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) clock;

[0536] Reference terminal device clock;

[0537] The base station's clock.

[0538] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the base station interacts with the first terminal device through at least one of the following messages;

[0539] SCI News;

[0540] MAC CE message;

[0541] RRC message;

[0542] Non-access layer messages.

[0543] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the non-access stratum message includes at least one of the following:

[0544] LPP message;

[0545] SL LPP message;

[0546] PC5-S message.

[0547] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0548] The absolute time of SL PRS transmission;

[0549] The relative time of SL PRS transmission;

[0550] The timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device;

[0551] The absolute time of SL PRS reception;

[0552] The relative time of SL PRS reception;

[0553] Clock offset of the first terminal device;

[0554] The time offset of the downlink radio frame timing of the serving cell of the first terminal device.

[0555] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, absolute time includes at least one of the following:

[0556] Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

[0557] GNSS time.

[0558] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the timing offset of the SL link includes the time offset of the SL link radio frame of the first terminal device relative to a reference time, wherein the time offset relative to the reference time includes at least one of the following:

[0559] The timing of the DL radio frame relative to the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0560] Timing of radio frames relative to the SL link of the reference terminal device;

[0561] The timing of the downlink radio frame on the network equipment side of the serving cell relative to the first terminal device;

[0562] The timing of downlink radio frames relative to the terminal side or network equipment side of the reference cell.

[0563] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the clock offset of the first terminal device is the deviation of the internal clock of the first terminal device relative to a standard clock.

[0564] In summary, in the embodiments of this disclosure, time information sent by a network-side device is received; the time information is then sent to a first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information. In these embodiments, sending time information to the first terminal device allows the first terminal device to calibrate the time information between multiple SL PRS channels, improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels, reducing inaccurate location information determination, and ultimately improving the accuracy of location information determination. This disclosure also discloses a specific scheme for sending time information transmitted between the network-side device and the base station to improve the accuracy of location information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, where a first device sends time information to a first terminal device, and the first terminal device calibrates the SL PRS time information, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels and ultimately improving the accuracy of location information determination.

[0565] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a time information interaction device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 25 As shown, the device 2500 can be disposed on the side of the first terminal device, and the device 2500 may include:

[0566] The receiving module 2501 is used to receive time information sent by the second terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0567] In summary, in the time information interaction device of this disclosure embodiment, the receiving module can receive time information sent by the second terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information. In this disclosure embodiment, time information between multiple SL PRS channels can be calibrated, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels, reduce the occurrence of inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing device for a "time information interaction" scenario to calibrate SL PRS time information, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0568] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0569] The absolute time of SL PRS transmission;

[0570] The relative time of SL PRS transmission;

[0571] The timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device;

[0572] The absolute time of SL PRS reception;

[0573] The relative time of SL PRS reception;

[0574] Clock offset of the first terminal device;

[0575] The time offset of the downlink radio frame timing of the serving cell of the first terminal device.

[0576] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, absolute time includes at least one of the following:

[0577] Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

[0578] GNSS time.

[0579] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the timing offset of the SL link includes the time offset of the SL link radio frame of the first terminal device relative to a reference time, wherein the time offset relative to the reference time includes at least one of the following:

[0580] The timing of the DL radio frame relative to the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0581] Timing of radio frames relative to the SL link of the reference terminal device;

[0582] The timing of the downlink radio frame on the network equipment side of the serving cell relative to the first terminal device;

[0583] The timing of downlink radio frames relative to the terminal side or network equipment side of the reference cell.

[0584] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the clock offset of the first terminal device is the deviation of the internal clock of the first terminal device relative to a standard clock.

[0585] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the receiving module 2501 is further configured to receive the transmission time of SL PRS sent by at least one positioning reference terminal device, wherein the transmission time includes absolute transmission time or relative transmission time.

[0586] Based on the time of receiving the SL PRS and the time of sending it, at least one one-way propagation delay is determined;

[0587] The TDOA value is determined based on the difference between at least one single-path propagation delays and the time offset, wherein the time offset includes the timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device and / or the clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0588] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the receiving module 2501 is further configured to interact with the second terminal device through at least one of the following messages;

[0589] SCI News;

[0590] MAC CE message;

[0591] RRC message;

[0592] Non-access layer messages.

[0593] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the non-access stratum message includes at least one of the following:

[0594] LPP message;

[0595] SL LPP message;

[0596] PC5-S message.

[0597] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the receiving module 2501 is further configured to:

[0598] Receive time synchronization source information sent by the second terminal device.

[0599] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0600] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS);

[0601] Terminal equipment that directly synchronizes with the GNSS clock;

[0602] Terminal devices, gNBs, or eNBs that are directly synchronized to the GNSS clock;

[0603] Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0604] Terminal devices that indirectly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0605] Terminal devices with the lowest priority.

[0606] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a time information interaction device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 26 As shown, the device 2600 can be disposed on the side of the first terminal device, and the device 2600 may include:

[0607] The receiving module 2601 is used to receive time information sent by the base station, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information.

[0608] In summary, in the time information interaction device of this disclosure embodiment, a receiving module receives time information sent by a base station, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information. In this disclosure embodiment, time information between multiple SL PRS channels can be calibrated, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels, reduce inaccurate positioning information determination, and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario to calibrate SL PRS time information, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0609] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the receiving module 2601 is further configured to:

[0610] Receive time synchronization source information sent by the base station.

[0611] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0612] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) clock;

[0613] Reference terminal device clock;

[0614] The base station's clock.

[0615] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a time information interaction device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 27 As shown, the device 2700 can be disposed on the second terminal device side, and the device 2700 may include:

[0616] The transmitting module 2701 is used to transmit time information to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SLPRS time information.

[0617] In summary, in the time information interaction device of this disclosure embodiment, time information is sent to the first terminal device via a sending module, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information. In this disclosure embodiment, time information can be sent to the first terminal device, allowing the first terminal device to calibrate the time information between multiple SL PRS channels, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels, reducing inaccurate positioning information determination, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, by sending time information to the first terminal device, allowing the first terminal device to calibrate the SL PRS time information, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0618] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 2701 is further configured to:

[0619] Receive time information sent by the base station.

[0620] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the sending module 2701 sends time information to the first terminal device, it is specifically used for:

[0621] Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by the base station or at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device, the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is determined as the reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0622] Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS transmission or reception absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0623] Send the relative time to the first terminal device.

[0624] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time information includes at least one of the following:

[0625] The timing offset of the SL link for at least one positioning assist terminal device;

[0626] The DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0627] Clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0628] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 2701, while sending time information to the first terminal device, is also specifically used for:

[0629] Send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device.

[0630] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0631] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS);

[0632] Terminal equipment that directly synchronizes with the GNSS clock;

[0633] Terminal devices, gNBs, or eNBs that are directly synchronized to the GNSS clock;

[0634] Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0635] Terminal devices that indirectly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock;

[0636] Terminal devices with the lowest priority.

[0637] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a time information interaction device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown below. Figure 28 As shown, the device 2800 can be installed on the base station side, and the device 2800 may include:

[0638] The transmitting module 2801 is used to transmit time information to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SLPRS time information.

[0639] In summary, in the time information interaction device of this disclosure embodiment, time information is sent to the first terminal device via a sending module, wherein the time information is used to calibrate SL PRS time information. In this disclosure embodiment, time information can be sent to the first terminal device, allowing the first terminal device to calibrate the time information between multiple SL PRS channels, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels, reducing inaccurate positioning information determination, and improving the accuracy of positioning information determination. This disclosure provides a processing method for a "time information interaction" scenario, by sending time information to the first terminal device, allowing the first terminal device to calibrate the SL PRS time information, which can improve the accuracy of determining the time difference between multiple SL PRS channels and improve the accuracy of positioning information determination.

[0640] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 2801 is further configured to:

[0641] Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by at least one positioning assist terminal device, the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is determined as the reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0642] Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS transmission or reception absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception.

[0643] Send the relative time to the first terminal device.

[0644] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 2801 is further configured to:

[0645] Send at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception to the second terminal device.

[0646] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, when the sending module 2801 is used to send time information to the first terminal device, it is also used for at least one of the following:

[0647] Obtain the timing offset of the SL link of at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device sent by at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device;

[0648] Obtain the DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0649] Obtain the clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0650] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 2801 is further configured to:

[0651] Send at least one of the following time offsets to the second terminal device:

[0652] The timing offset of the SL link for at least one positioning assist terminal device;

[0653] The DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device;

[0654] Clock offset of the first terminal device.

[0655] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the sending module 2801 is further configured to:

[0656] Send time synchronization source information to the first terminal device.

[0657] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the time synchronization source corresponding to the time synchronization source information includes at least one of the following:

[0658] Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) clock information;

[0659] Reference terminal device clock information;

[0660] Clock information of the base station.

[0661] Figure 29 This is a block diagram of a terminal device UE2900 provided in one embodiment of this disclosure. For example, UE2900 may be a mobile phone, computer, digital broadcasting terminal device, messaging transceiver, game console, tablet device, medical device, fitness device, personal digital assistant, etc.

[0662] Reference Figure 29 UE2900 may include at least one of the following components: processing component 2902, memory 2904, power supply component 2906, multimedia component 2908, audio component 2910, input / output (I / O) interface 2912, sensor component 2914, and communication component 2916.

[0663] Processing component 2902 typically controls the overall operation of UE 2900, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communication, camera operation, and recording operations. Processing component 2902 may include at least one processor 2920 to execute instructions to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described above. Furthermore, processing component 2902 may include at least one module to facilitate interaction between processing component 2902 and other components. For example, processing component 2902 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 2908 and processing component 2902.

[0664] Memory 2904 is configured to store various types of data to support operation on UE 2900. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on UE 2900, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 2904 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0665] Power supply component 2906 provides power to various components of UE2900. Power supply component 2906 may include a power management system, at least one power supply, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to UE2900.

[0666] The multimedia component 2908 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the UE 2900 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touchscreen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes at least one touch sensor to sense touch, swipe, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensor may not only sense the boundaries of the touch or swipe action but also detect the wake-up time and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 2908 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. When the UE 2900 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front-facing camera and / or the rear-facing camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0667] Audio component 2910 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, audio component 2910 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when UE 2900 is in an operating mode, such as call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 2904 or transmitted via communication component 2916. In some embodiments, audio component 2910 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0668] I / O interface 2912 provides an interface between processing component 2902 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, power buttons, and lock buttons.

[0669] Sensor assembly 2914 includes at least one sensor for providing status assessment of various aspects of UE 2900. For example, sensor assembly 2914 can detect the on / off state of device 2900, the relative positioning of components, such as the display and keypad of UE 2900, changes in position of UE 2900 or one of its components, the presence or absence of user contact with UE 2900, orientation or acceleration / deceleration of UE 2900, and temperature changes of UE 2900. Sensor assembly 2914 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Sensor assembly 2914 may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 2914 may also include an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, pressure sensor, or temperature sensor.

[0670] Communication component 2916 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between UE2900 and other devices. UE2900 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 2G, or 3G, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 2916 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 2916 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0671] In an exemplary embodiment, the UE2900 may be implemented by at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), digital signal processing device (DSPD), programmable logic device (PLD), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), controller, microcontroller, microprocessor or other electronic component to perform the above method.

[0672] Figure 30 This is a block diagram of a base station 3000 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. For example, the base station 3000 can be provided as a network-side device. (Refer to...) Figure 30The base station 3000 includes a processing component 3022, which further includes at least one processor, and memory resources represented by a memory 3032 for storing instructions executable by the processing component 3022, such as application programs. The application programs stored in the memory 3032 may include one or more modules, each corresponding to a set of instructions. Furthermore, the processing component 3022 is configured to execute instructions to perform any of the methods described above applied to the network-side device, for example, such as... Figure 16 The method shown.

[0673] The base station 3000 may also include a power supply component 3026 configured to perform power management of the base station 3000, a wired or wireless network interface 3050 configured to connect the base station 3000 to a network, and an input / output (I / O) interface 3058. The base station 3000 can operate on an operating system stored in memory 3032, such as Windows Server™, MacOS X™, Unix™, Linux™, Free BSD™, or similar.

[0674] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the present disclosure have been described from the perspectives of the network-side device and the UE, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network-side device and the UE may include hardware structures and software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions can be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0675] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the present disclosure have been described from the perspectives of the network-side device and the UE, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the network-side device and the UE may include hardware structures and software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions can be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0676] This disclosure provides a communication device. The communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module may include a sending module and / or a receiving module. The sending module is used to implement the sending function, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function. The transceiver module can implement both sending and / or receiving functions.

[0677] The communication device can be a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments), a device within a terminal device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device can be a network device, a device within a network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a network device.

[0678] This disclosure provides another communication device. The communication device can be a network device, a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0679] A communication device may include one or more processors. The processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., network-side equipment, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0680] Optionally, the communication device may further include one or more memories, on which computer programs may be stored. The processor executes the computer programs to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memories may also store data. The communication device and the memories may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0681] Optionally, the communication device may also include a transceiver and an antenna. The transceiver, also known as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, is used to implement transmission and reception functions. The transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter; the receiver, also known as a receiver circuit, is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter, also known as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0682] Optionally, the communication device may further include one or more interface circuits. The interface circuits are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor. The processor executes the code instructions to cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0683] The communication device is a first terminal device (such as the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments): the processor is used to execute... Figures 2-9 Any of the methods shown.

[0684] The communication device is a second terminal device: the processor is used to execute... Figures 10-15 Any of the methods shown.

[0685] The communication device is a base station: the processor is used to execute... Figures 16-23 Any of the methods shown.

[0686] In one implementation, the processor may include a transceiver for implementing receive and transmit functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receive and transmit functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0687] In one implementation, the processor may store a computer program that runs on the processor, causing the communication device to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The computer program may be embedded in the processor; in this case, the processor may be implemented in hardware.

[0688] In one implementation, the communication device may include circuitry that performs the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this disclosure can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive-channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0689] The communication device described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the foregoing method embodiments), but the scope of the communication device described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device is not limited. The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be:

[0690] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0691] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0692] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0693] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0694] (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc.

[0695] (6) Others, etc.

[0696] When the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, the chip includes a processor and an interface. There can be one or more processors, and multiple interfaces.

[0697] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory for storing necessary computer programs and data.

[0698] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0699] This disclosure also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0700] This disclosure also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0701] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0702] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor do they indicate the order of events.

[0703] At least one of the features described in this disclosure can also be described as one or more, and multiple features can be two, three, four or more, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations. In the embodiments of this disclosure, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", etc., and there is no sequential order or size order among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0704] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0705] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A time information interaction method, characterized by, The method is executed by a first terminal device, and the method includes: The system receives time information sent by a second terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information between multiple directly connected positioning reference signals (SL PRS). The time information includes the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception. The absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by the base station or at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device. The absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS transmission or reception absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception among the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception. The absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is a reference time.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The time information also includes at least one of the following: The absolute time of SL PRS transmission; The relative time of SL PRS transmission; The timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device; The absolute time of SL PRS reception; The relative time of SL PRS reception; The clock offset of the first terminal device; The time offset of the downlink radio frames of the serving cell of the first terminal device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The absolute time includes at least one of the following: Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The timing offset of the SL link includes the time offset of the SL link radio frame of the first terminal device relative to a reference time, wherein the time offset relative to the reference time includes at least one of the following: The timing of the downlink radio frame (DL) relative to the serving cell of the first terminal device; Timing of radio frames relative to the SL link of the reference terminal device; The timing of the downlink radio frame relative to the serving cell of the first terminal device; The timing of downlink radio frames relative to the terminal side or network equipment side of the reference cell.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clock offset of the first terminal device is the deviation of the internal clock of the first terminal device from the standard clock.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the transmission time of SL PRS sent by at least one positioning reference terminal device, wherein the transmission time includes absolute transmission time or relative transmission time; Based on the time of receiving the SL PRS and the time of transmission, at least one one-way propagation delay is determined; The arrival time difference (TDOA) value is determined based on the difference between the at least one single-path propagation delay and the time offset, wherein the time offset includes the timing offset of the SL link of the first terminal device and / or the clock offset of the first terminal device.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive time information sent by the second terminal device through at least one of the following messages; Sidelink control information SCI message; Media Access Control (MAC) control information CE message; Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages; Non-access layer messages.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The non-access stratum message includes at least one of the following: Long Term Evolution (LTE) Location Protocol (LPP) messages for general mobile communications technologies; Directly connected to the Long Term Evolution Positioning Protocol (SL LPP) messages for general mobile communication technologies; PC5-S message.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes receiving time synchronization source information sent by the second terminal device, wherein the time synchronization source information corresponds to at least one of the following: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS); Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the GNSS clock; Terminal devices, next-generation base stations (gNBs), or evolved NBs (eNBs) that are directly synchronized to the GNSS clock; Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock; Terminal devices that indirectly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock; Terminal devices with the lowest priority.

10. A method for exchanging time information, characterized in that, The method is executed by a second terminal device, and the method includes: Send time information to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information between multiple direct-connection positioning reference signals SL PRS; The time information is sent to the first terminal device; The sending of time information to the first terminal device includes: Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by the base station or at least one positioning assist terminal device, the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is determined as the reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception. Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS transmission or reception absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception among the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception absolute times.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The time information is received from the base station.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The time information includes at least one of the following: The timing offset of the SL link of at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device; The DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device; The clock offset of the first terminal device.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending time synchronization source information to the first terminal device, wherein the time synchronization source information corresponds to at least one of the following: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS); Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the GNSS clock; Terminal devices, gNBs, or eNBs that directly synchronize with the GNSS clock; Terminal devices that directly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock; Terminal devices that indirectly synchronize with the gNB or eNB clock; Terminal devices with the lowest priority.

14. A method for exchanging time information, characterized in that, The method is executed by a base station, and the method includes: Send time information to the first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information between multiple direct-connection positioning reference signals SL PRS; The sending of time information to the first terminal device includes: Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by at least one positioning assist terminal device, the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is determined as the reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception. Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS transmission or reception absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception among the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception absolute times. The relative time is sent to the first terminal device.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the time information sent by at least one positioning assistance terminal device.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send at least one absolute time of SL PRS transmission or reception to the second terminal device.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, When sending the time information to the first terminal device, it also includes at least one of the following: Obtain the timing offset of the SL link of at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device sent by at least one positioning auxiliary terminal device; Obtain the DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device; Obtain the clock offset of the first terminal device.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send at least one of the following time offsets to the second terminal device: The timing offset of the SL link for at least one positioning assist terminal device; The DL radio frame timing time offset of the serving cell of the first terminal device; The clock offset of the first terminal device.

19. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending time synchronization source information to the first terminal device, wherein the time synchronization source information corresponds to at least one of the following: Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) clock information; Reference terminal device clock information; Clock information of the base station.

20. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the time information sent by the network-side device.

21. A time information interaction device, characterized in that, The device is disposed on the side of the first terminal device, and the device includes: The receiving module is used to receive time information sent by the second terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information between multiple direct-connection positioning reference signals SL PRS; The receiving module is also used to receive time synchronization source information sent by the second terminal device; The time information is the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception. The absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception transmitted by the base station or at least one positioning assistance terminal device. The absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS transmission or reception absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception. The absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is a reference time.

22. A time information interaction device, characterized in that, The device is disposed on the side of the second terminal device, and the device includes: A transmitting module is used to transmit time information to a first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the SL PRS time information between multiple direct-connection positioning reference signals SL PRS; The time information is sent to the first terminal device; The sending module is further configured to: Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by the base station or at least one positioning assist terminal device, the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is determined as the reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception. Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS transmission or reception absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception among the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception absolute times. The relative time is sent to the first terminal device.

23. A time information interaction device, characterized in that, The device is disposed on the base station side, and the device includes: A sending module is used to send time information to a first terminal device, wherein the time information is used to calibrate the quasi-SL PRS time information between multiple direct-connection positioning reference signals (SL PRS); The sending module is further configured to: Based on the absolute time of at least one SL PRS transmission or reception sent by at least one positioning assist terminal device, the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is determined as the reference time, wherein the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception is any one of the absolute times of the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception. Calculate the relative time between the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception and the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception, wherein the absolute time of the second SL PRS transmission or reception is any SL PRS transmission or reception absolute time other than the absolute time of the first SL PRS transmission or reception among the at least one SL PRS transmission or reception absolute times. The relative time is sent to the first terminal device.

24. A first terminal device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

25. A second terminal device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 13.

26. A base station, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 20.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor and interface circuitry, among which The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor and interface circuitry, among which The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 13.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor and interface circuitry, among which The interface circuit is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor; The processor is configured to run the code instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 20.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It is used to store instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 to be implemented.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It is used to store instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 13 to be implemented.

32. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 20 to be implemented.

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