Conveying peak amplitude data associated with reference signals for positioning

Abstract

In an embodiment, a first node (e.g., a UE or a BS) performs a channel response measurement on a reference signal for positioning (e.g., an UL reference signal (such as an SRS for positioning), or a DL PRS). The first node determines, for each of a plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, peak-specific information including at least peak magnitude data based on a peak magnitude relative to a reference value. The first node reports the peak-specific information about the plurality of peaks to a second node (e.g., a BS, a UE, or an LMF). The second node receives the peak-specific information and determines a positioning estimate for the UE based on the peak-specific information.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 025,000, filed May 14, 2020, entitled “COMMUNICATING PEAK MAGNITUDEDATA ASSOCIATED WITH A REFERENCE SIGNAL FOR POSITIONING”, which has been assigned to the assignee of this application and is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Public background

[0004] 1. Public domain

[0005] Various aspects of this disclosure generally relate to wireless communication, and more particularly to conveying peak amplitude data associated with a reference signal used for positioning.

[0006] 2. Relevant Technical Descriptions

[0007] Wireless communication systems have evolved through several generations, including first-generation analog wireless telephony (1G), second-generation (2G) digital wireless telephony (including the transitional 2.5G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data wireless services with internet capabilities, and fourth-generation (4G) services (e.g., LTE or WiMax). Currently, many different types of wireless communication systems are in use, including cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS) systems. Known examples of cellular systems include cellular analog Advanced Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS), and digital cellular systems based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), and GSM TDMA variants.

[0008] The fifth-generation (5G) wireless standard (known as New Radio (NR)) achieves higher data transmission speeds, a greater number of connections, better coverage, and other improvements. According to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGC), the 5G standard is designed to provide tens of megabits per second (Mbps) of data rate to each of tens of thousands of users, and 1 gigabits per second (Gbps) to dozens of employees on an office floor. It should support hundreds or thousands of simultaneous connections to support large-scale wireless sensor deployments. Therefore, the spectral efficiency of 5G mobile communications should be significantly improved compared to the current 4G standard. Furthermore, signaling efficiency should be improved and latency significantly reduced compared to the current standard.

[0009] Overview

[0010] The following is a simplified overview relating to one or more aspects disclosed herein. Therefore, this overview should not be considered an exhaustive overview relating to all aspects of the conception, nor should it be considered to identify key or decisive elements relating to all aspects of the conception or to depict the scope associated with any particular aspect. Accordingly, the sole purpose of the following overview is to present, in a simplified form, certain concepts relating to one or more aspects of the mechanism disclosed herein before the detailed description given below.

[0011] In one aspect, a method of operating a first node includes: performing a channel response measurement on a reference signal used for positioning; determining peak-variable information for each of a plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-variable information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitude relative to a reference value; and reporting the peak-variable information to a second node.

[0012] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0013] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0014] In some respects, the first node corresponds to the user equipment (UE), and the second node corresponds to the base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0015] In some respects, the second node corresponds to the user equipment (UE) or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the base station (BS).

[0016] In some respects, the number of these multiple peaks is configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Components based on UE capability indications.

[0017] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks that are associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0018] In some respects, peak amplitude thresholds and / or reference values ​​are configured by user equipment (UE), base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0019] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks outside the defined time window.

[0020] In some respects, the defined time window is configured by the user equipment (UE), base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0021] In some respects, the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0022] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0023] In some aspects, the method includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0024] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0025] In some respects, peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak value.

[0026] In one aspect, a method of operating a second node includes: receiving from a first node peak-varying information associated with multiple peaks within a channel response measurement of a reference signal for positioning, the peak-varying information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and determining a positioning estimate for a user equipment (UE) based on the peak-varying information.

[0027] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0028] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0029] In some respects, the first node corresponds to the UE, and the second node corresponds to the base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0030] In some respects, the second node corresponds to the UE or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the base station (BS).

[0031] In some respects, the number of these multiple peaks is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0032] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks that are associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0033] In some respects, peak amplitude thresholds and / or reference values ​​are configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0034] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks outside the defined time window.

[0035] In some respects, the defined time window is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0036] In some respects, the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0037] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0038] In some aspects, the method includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0039] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0040] In some respects, peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak value.

[0041] In one aspect, a first node includes: a memory, at least one transceiver, and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: perform a channel response measurement on a reference signal for positioning; determine peak-varying information for each of a plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and report the peak-varying information to a second node.

[0042] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0043] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0044] In some respects, the first node corresponds to the user equipment (UE), and the second node corresponds to the base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0045] In some respects, the second node corresponds to the user equipment (UE) or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the base station (BS).

[0046] In some respects, the number of these multiple peaks is configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Components based on UE capability indications.

[0047] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks that are associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0048] In some respects, peak amplitude thresholds and / or reference values ​​are configured by user equipment (UE), base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0049] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks outside the defined time window.

[0050] In some respects, the defined time window is configured by the user equipment (UE), base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0051] In some respects, the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0052] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0053] In some respects,

[0054] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0055] In some respects, peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak value.

[0056] In one aspect, a second node includes: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive, via the at least one transceiver, peak-varying information associated with multiple peaks within a channel response measurement of a reference signal for positioning from a first node, the peak-varying information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and determine a positioning estimate for a user equipment (UE) based on the peak-varying information.

[0057] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0058] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0059] In some respects, the first node corresponds to the UE, and the second node corresponds to the base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0060] In some respects, the second node corresponds to the UE or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the base station (BS).

[0061] In some respects, the number of these multiple peaks is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0062] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks that are associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0063] In some respects, peak amplitude thresholds and / or reference values ​​are configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0064] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks outside the defined time window.

[0065] In some respects, the defined time window is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0066] In some respects, the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0067] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0068] In some respects,

[0069] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0070] In some respects, peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak value.

[0071] In one aspect, a first node includes: means for performing a channel response measurement on a reference signal for positioning; means for determining peak-variable information for each of a plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-variable information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and means for reporting the peak-variable information to a second node.

[0072] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0073] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0074] In some respects, the first node corresponds to the user equipment (UE), and the second node corresponds to the base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0075] In some respects, the second node corresponds to the user equipment (UE) or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the base station (BS).

[0076] In some respects, the number of these multiple peaks is configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Components based on UE capability indications.

[0077] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks that are associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0078] In some respects, peak amplitude thresholds and / or reference values ​​are configured by user equipment (UE), base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0079] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks outside the defined time window.

[0080] In some aspects, the method includes means for peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0081] In some respects, peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak value.

[0082] In one aspect, the first node as described in claim 69, wherein the defined time window is configured by the user equipment (UE), base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0083] In some respects, the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0084] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0085] In one aspect, the first node as claimed in claim 73, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node transmitting reference signals for positioning therefrom, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0086] In one aspect, a second node includes: means for receiving from a first node peak-varying information associated with multiple peaks in a channel response measurement of a reference signal for positioning, the peak-varying information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and means for determining a positioning estimate for a user equipment (UE) based on the peak-varying information.

[0087] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0088] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0089] In some respects, the first node corresponds to the UE, and the second node corresponds to the base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0090] In some respects, the second node corresponds to the UE or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the base station (BS).

[0091] In some respects, the number of these multiple peaks is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0092] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks that are associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0093] In some respects, peak amplitude thresholds and / or reference values ​​are configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0094] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks outside the defined time window.

[0095] In some respects, the defined time window is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0096] In some respects, the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0097] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0098] In some aspects, the method includes means for peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0099] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0100] In some respects, peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak value.

[0101] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a first node, cause the first node to: perform a channel response measurement on a reference signal for positioning; determine peak-variable information for each of a plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-variable information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and report the peak-variable information to a second node.

[0102] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0103] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0104] In some respects, the first node corresponds to the user equipment (UE), and the second node corresponds to the base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0105] In some respects, the second node corresponds to the user equipment (UE) or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the base station (BS).

[0106] In some respects, the number of these multiple peaks is configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Components based on UE capability indications.

[0107] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks that are associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0108] In some respects, peak amplitude thresholds and / or reference values ​​are configured by user equipment (UE), base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0109] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks outside the defined time window.

[0110] In some respects, the defined time window is configured by the user equipment (UE), base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0111] In some respects, the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0112] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0113] In some respects,

[0114] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0115] In some respects, peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak value.

[0116] In one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a second node, cause the second node to: receive from a first node peak-dependent information associated with multiple peaks within a channel response measurement of a reference signal for positioning, the peak-dependent information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and determine a positioning estimate for a user equipment (UE) based on the peak-dependent information.

[0117] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0118] In some respects, the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and the information varying from peak to peak for each of the multiple peaks detected in the channel response measurement further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0119] In some respects, the first node corresponds to the UE, and the second node corresponds to the base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0120] In some respects, the second node corresponds to the UE or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the base station (BS).

[0121] In some respects, the number of these multiple peaks is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0122] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks that are associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0123] In some respects, peak amplitude thresholds and / or reference values ​​are configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network components based on UE capability indications.

[0124] In some respects, these multiple peaks exclude peaks outside the defined time window.

[0125] In some respects, the defined time window is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0126] In some respects, the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0127] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0128] In some respects,

[0129] In some respects, reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits reference signals for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0130] In some respects, peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak value.

[0131] Other objectives and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings and detailed description. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0133] The accompanying drawings are provided to help describe various aspects of this disclosure, and are provided solely for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0134] Figure 1 Exemplary wireless communication systems based on various aspects are explained.

[0135] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The example wireless network architecture is explained from various aspects.

[0136] Figures 3A to 3C It is a simplified block diagram of several exemplary aspects of components that can be adopted in wireless communication nodes and configured to support communications as taught herein.

[0137] Figure 4A and 4B This is a diagram illustrating examples of frame structures and channels within these frame structures according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0138] Figure 5 An exemplary PRS configuration for a cellular cell supported by a wireless node is explained.

[0139] Figure 6 Exemplary wireless communication systems according to various aspects of this disclosure are explained.

[0140] Figure 7 Exemplary wireless communication systems according to various aspects of this disclosure are explained.

[0141] Figure 8A This is a diagram illustrating the RF channel response at the receiver over time according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0142] Figure 8B This is a diagram illustrating the separation of clusters by AoD.

[0143] Figure 9 The channel response at the UE receiver according to another embodiment of this disclosure is explained.

[0144] Figure 10 The channel response at the UE receiver according to another embodiment of this disclosure is explained.

[0145] Figure 11-12 The wireless communication methods according to various aspects of this disclosure are explained.

[0146] Figure 13 The channel response at the UE receiver according to another embodiment of this disclosure is explained.

[0147] Figure 14 The channel response at the UE receiver according to another embodiment of this disclosure is explained.

[0148] Figure 15 The channel response at the UE receiver according to another embodiment of this disclosure is explained.

[0149] Detailed description

[0150] Various aspects of this disclosure are provided below in the description and accompanying drawings of various examples provided for illustrative purposes. Alternative aspects may be designed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, elements well-known in this disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of this disclosure.

[0151] The terms “exemplary” and / or “example” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” and / or “example” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other aspects. Similarly, the term “aspects of this disclosure” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed.

[0152] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the information and signals described below can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and arts. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the following description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof, depending in part on the specific application, in part on the desired design, in part on the corresponding technology, etc.

[0153] Furthermore, many aspects are described in the form of sequences of actions performed by elements of, for example, computing devices. It will be appreciated that the various actions described herein can be performed by special-purpose circuitry (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, the sequences of actions described herein can be considered to be fully embodied in any form of non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing a corresponding set of computer instructions that, upon execution, will cause an associated processor of the device to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, various aspects of this disclosure can be embodied in several different forms, all of which are contemplated to fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, for each aspect described herein, a corresponding form of any such aspect may be described herein as, for example, "logic configured to perform the described actions."

[0154] As used herein, the terms “User Equipment” (UE) and “Base Station” are not intended to be specific to or otherwise limited to any particular Radio Access Technology (RAT) unless otherwise stated. Generally, a UE can be any wireless communication device used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network (e.g., mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, tracking device, wearable device (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.). A UE can be mobile or can (e.g., at certain times) be stationary and can communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” can be interchangeably referred to as “Access Terminal” or “AT,” “Client Equipment,” “Wireless Equipment,” “Subscriber Equipment,” “Subscriber Terminal,” “Subscriber Station,” “User Terminal” or “UT,” “Mobile Terminal,” “Mobile Station,” or variations thereof. Generally, a UE can communicate with the core network via the RAN, and through the core network, the UE can connect to external networks (such as the Internet) and other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms for connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for the UE, such as through a wired access network, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., based on IEEE 802.11, etc.).

[0155] A base station may operate according to one of several RATs when communicating with a UE, depending on the network in which it is deployed, and may be alternatively referred to as an Access Point (AP), Network Node, B-Node, Evolved B-Node (eNB), New Radio (NR) B-Node (also known as gNB or gNodeB), etc. Additionally, in some systems, the base station may provide purely edge node signaling functions, while in others, it may provide additional control and / or network management functions. The communication link through which the UE can signal to the base station is called an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., reverse traffic channel, reverse control channel, access channel, etc.). The communication link through which the base station can signal to the UE is called a downlink (DL) or forward link channel (e.g., paging channel, control channel, broadcast channel, forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein, the term traffic channel (TCH) may refer to either a UL / reverse or DL / forward traffic channel.

[0156] The term "base station" can refer to a single physical transmit / receive point (TRP) or multiple physical TRPs that may or may not be located in the same place. For example, when the term "base station" refers to a single physical TRP, the physical TRP may be a base station antenna corresponding to the cell of the base station. When the term "base station" refers to multiple co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRP may be an antenna array of the base station (e.g., as in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system or where the base station employs beamforming). When the term "base station" refers to multiple non-co-located physical TRPs, these physical TRPs may be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected via a transmission medium to a common source) or a remote radio headend (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, non-co-located physical TRPs may be the serving base station from which the UE receives measurement reports and a neighboring base station from which the UE is measuring its reference RF signal. Since a TRP is the point from which a base station transmits and receives radio signals, as used herein, references to transmissions from or receptions at a base station should be understood to refer to the specific TRP of that base station.

[0157] An “RF signal” refers to an electromagnetic wave of a given frequency that transmits information across the space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may transmit a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels, a receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. The same RF signal transmitted on different paths between the transmitter and receiver can be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal.

[0158] According to various aspects, Figure 1 An exemplary wireless communication system 100 has been described. The wireless communication system 100 (also referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 and various UEs 104. Base station 102 may include macrocell base stations (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low-power cellular base stations). In one aspect, the macrocell base station may include an eNB (where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an LTE network), or a gNB (where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an NR network), or a combination of both, and the small cell base station may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0159] Each base station 102 can collectively form a RAN and interface with a core network 170 (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC) or next-generation core (NGC)) via a backhaul link 122, and interface with one or more location servers 172 via the core network 170. Among other functions, base stations 102 can also perform functions related to one or more of the following: transmitting user data, radio channel cryptography and decoding, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, distribution of non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, location, and delivery of alarm messages. Base stations 102 can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC / NGC) on a backhaul link 134, which can be wired or wireless.

[0160] Base station 102 can wirelessly communicate with UE 104. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographical coverage area 110. In one aspect, one or more cells can be supported by base station 102 in each coverage area 110. A “cell” is a logical communication entity used to communicate with a base station (e.g., on a frequency resource, it is referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, frequency band, etc.) and can be associated with an identifier (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCI)) to distinguish cells operating via the same or different carrier frequencies. In some cases, different cells can be configured according to different protocol types that can provide access to different types of UEs (e.g., Machine Type Communication (MTC), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), or others). Since cells are supported by specific base stations, the term “cell” can refer to either or both of the logical communication entity and the base station supporting that logical communication entity, depending on the context. In some contexts, the term "cellular" can also refer to the geographical coverage area (e.g., sector) of a base station, in the sense that the carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within a portion of the geographic coverage area 110.

[0161] While the geographic coverage areas 110 of adjacent macrocell base stations 102 may partially overlap (e.g., in handover areas), some geographic coverage areas 110 may substantially overlap with larger geographic coverage areas 110. For example, a small cell base station 102' may have a coverage area 110' that substantially overlaps with the coverage areas 110 of one or more macrocell base stations 102. A network that includes both small cell and macrocell base stations may be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs) that provide service to a restricted group known as a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG).

[0162] The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include UL (also known as reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102 and / or downlink (DL) (also known as forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may use MIMO antenna technologies, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link 120 may use one or more carrier frequencies. Carrier allocation may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to DL compared to UL).

[0163] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a WLAN access point (AP) 150 communicating with a wireless local area network (WLAN) station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in unlicensed spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in unlicensed spectrum, the WLAN STA 152 and / or WLAN AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) or listen-before-speak (LBT) procedure to determine channel availability before communication.

[0164] Small cell base station 102' can operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, small cell base station 102' can employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as used by WLAN AP 150. Small cell base station 102' employing LTE / 5G in unlicensed spectrum can enhance access network coverage and / or increase access network capacity. NR in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as NR-U. LTE in unlicensed spectrum may be referred to as LTE-U, Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), or MulteFire.

[0165] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a millimeter-wave (mmW) base station 180, which can operate in mmW and / or near-mmW frequencies to communicate with the UE 182. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that contains radio frequency (RF). EHF has a range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band are referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW extends down to a 3 GHz frequency with a 100 mm wavelength. Ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands extend between 3 GHz and 30 GHz, and are also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW / near-mmW RF bands has high path loss and relatively short range. The mmW base station 180 and the UE 182 can utilize beamforming (transmit and / or receive) on the mmW communication link 184 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in alternative configurations, one or more base stations 102 may also use mmW or near-mmW and beamforming for transmission. Accordingly, it will be understood that the foregoing explanations are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the aspects disclosed herein.

[0166] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing RF signals in a specific direction. Conventionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, it broadcasts the signal in all directions (omnidirectionally). Using transmit beamforming, the network node determines where a given target device (e.g., a UE) is located (relative to the transmitting network node) and projects a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thus providing the receiving device with a faster (in terms of data rate) and stronger RF signal. To change the directivity of the RF signal during transmission, the network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of one or more transmitters broadcasting the RF signal. For example, the network node can use an antenna array (referred to as a "phased array" or "antenna array") that generates a beam of RF waves, which can be "guided" to different directions without actually moving the antennas. Specifically, RF currents from the transmitters are fed to the individual antennas with the correct phase relationship so that radio waves from the separate antennas add together in the desired direction to increase radiation, while canceling each other out in the undesired direction to suppress radiation.

[0167] Transmit beams can be quasi-co-located, meaning they appear to the receiver (e.g., the UE) to have the same parameters, regardless of whether the transmit antennas of network nodes are physically co-located. In NR, there are four types of quasi-co-location (QCL) relationships. Specifically, a given type of QCL relationship means that certain parameters of the second reference RF signal on the second beam can be derived from information about the source reference RF signal on the source beam. Therefore, if the source reference RF signal is QCL type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and average delay of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of type QCL D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial reception parameters of the second reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0168] In receive beamforming, a receiver uses a receive beam to amplify an RF signal detected on a given channel. For example, a receiver may increase the gain setting of an antenna array and / or adjust the phase setting of the antenna array in a specific direction to amplify the RF signal received from that direction (e.g., increase its gain level). Thus, when a receiver is designated to perform beamforming in a certain direction, it means that the beam gain in that direction is higher than the beam gain in other directions, or that the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gain of all other receive beams available to that receiver in that direction. This results in a stronger received signal strength (e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), etc.) of the RF signal received from that direction.

[0169] The receive beam can be spatially dependent. Spatial dependence means that the parameters of the transmit beam used for the second reference signal can be derived from information about the receive beam of the first reference signal. For example, a UE can use a specific receive beam to receive a reference downlink reference signal (e.g., a synchronization signal block (SSB)) from a base station. The UE can then form a transmit beam based on the parameters of the receive beam to transmit an uplink reference signal (e.g., a probe reference signal (SRS)) to that base station.

[0170] Note that, depending on the entity forming the "downlink" beam, the beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam. For example, if a base station is forming a downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to a UE, then the downlink beam is a transmit beam. However, if a UE is forming a downlink beam, then the downlink beam is a receive beam for receiving downlink reference signals. Similarly, depending on the entity forming the "uplink" beam, the beam can be either a transmit beam or a receive beam. For example, if a base station is forming an uplink beam, then the uplink beam is an uplink receive beam, while if a UE is forming an uplink beam, then the uplink beam is an uplink transmit beam.

[0171] In 5G, the spectrum in which radio nodes (e.g., base stations 102 / 180, UE 104 / 182) operate is divided into several frequency ranges: FR1 (from 450 to 6000 MHz), FR2 (from 24250 to 52600 MHz), FR3 (above 52600 MHz), and FR4 (between FR1 and FR2). In multi-carrier systems (such as 5G), one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the “primary carrier” or “anchor carrier” or “primary serving cell” or “PCell,” and the remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as “secondary carriers” or “secondary serving cells” or “SCell.” In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by UE 104 / 182 and on the cell in which UE 104 / 182 performs an initial radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates an RRC connection re-establishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all shared control channels as well as UE-specific control channels, and can be a carrier on a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). The secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2), which can be configured once an RRC connection is established between UE 104 and the anchor carrier, and can be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier can be a carrier on an unlicensed frequency. The secondary carrier may contain only the necessary signaling information and signals; for example, UE-specific signaling information and signals may not be present on the secondary carrier, since both the primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 in a cell can have different downlink primary carriers. The same applies to the uplink primary carrier. The network can change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 182 at any time. For example, this is done to balance the load on different carriers. Since a “serving cell” (whether PCell or SCell) corresponds to the carrier frequency / component carrier that a base station is using for communication, the terms “cell,” “serving cell,” “component carrier,” “carrier frequency,” etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0172] For example, still refer to Figure 1 One of the frequencies utilized by the macrocell base station 102 can be an anchor carrier (or "PCell"), and other frequencies utilized by the macrocell base station 102 and / or mmW base station 180 can be secondary carriers ("SCell"). Simultaneous transmission and / or reception on multiple carriers allows the UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rates. For example, two 20MHz aggregated carriers in a multi-carrier system would theoretically result in twice the data rate (i.e., 40MHz) compared to the data rate obtained from a single 20MHz carrier.

[0173] The wireless communication system 100 may further include one or more UEs (such as UE 190) that are indirectly connected to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links. Figure 1 In the example, UE190 has a D2D P2P link 192 with a UE 104 connected to a base station 102 (e.g., UE 190 can indirectly obtain cellular connectivity from this link), and a D2D P2P link 194 with a WLAN STA 152 connected to a WLAN AP 150 (UE190 can indirectly obtain WLAN-based Internet connectivity from this link). In one example, D2D P2P links 192 and 194 can use any known D2D RAT (such as LTE Direct (LTE-D), WiFi Direct (WiFi-D)). (etc.) to support.

[0174] The wireless communication system 100 may further include a UE 164, which can communicate with the macrocell base station 102 on the communication link 120 and / or with the mmW base station 180 on the mmW communication link 184. For example, the macrocell base station 102 may support PCell and one or more SCells for the UE 164, and the mmW base station 180 may support one or more SCells for the UE 164.

[0175] According to various aspects, Figure 2AExample wireless network architecture 200 is explained. For example, NGC 210 (also referred to as "5GC") can be functionally considered as control plane functions 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and user plane functions 212 (e.g., UE gateway functions, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.), which operate collaboratively to form the core network. User plane interface (NG-U) 213 and control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect gNB 222 to NGC 210, specifically to control plane functions 214 and user plane functions 212. In an additional configuration, eNB 224 can also connect to NGC 210 via NG-C 215 to control plane function 214 and NG-U 213 to user plane function 212. Furthermore, eNB 224 can communicate directly with gNB 222 via backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, the new RAN 220 may have only one or more gNBs 222, while other configurations include one or more eNBs 224 and one or more gNBs 222. The gNB 222 or eNB 224 can be used with UE204 (e.g., Figure 1 The UE 204 can communicate with any UE depicted in the diagram. Another optional aspect may include a location server 230 that can communicate with the NGC 210 to provide location assistance to the UE 204. The location server 230 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules extending across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. The location server 230 may be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, which the UE 204 can connect to via the core network, the NGC 210, and / or via the Internet (not described). Furthermore, the location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively, may be external to the core network.

[0176] According to various aspects, Figure 2BAnother example wireless network architecture 250 is described. For example, NGC 260 (also referred to as "5GC") can be functionally considered as a control plane function provided by Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) / User Plane Function (UPF) 264 and a user plane function provided by Session Management Function (SMF) 262, which operate cooperatively to form the core network (i.e., NGC 260). User plane interface 263 and control plane interface 265 connect eNB 224 to NGC 260, specifically to SMF 262 and AMF / UPF 264, respectively. In an additional configuration, gNB 222 can also connect to NGC 260 via control plane interface 265 to AMF / UPF 264 and user plane interface 263 to SMF 262. Furthermore, eNB 224 can communicate directly with gNB 222 via backhaul connection 223, regardless of whether it has direct gNB connectivity to NGC 260. In some configurations, the new RAN 220 may have only one or more gNBs 222, while other configurations include one or more eNBs 224 and one or more gNBs 222. The gNB 222 or eNB 224 can be used with UE 204 (e.g., Figure 1 The base station of the new RAN 220 communicates with the AMF side of the AMF / UPF 264 via the N2 interface and with the UPF side of the AMF / UPF 264 via the N3 interface.

[0177] The AMF's functions include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, session management (SM) messaging between UE 204 and SMF 262, transparent proxy service for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, short message service (SMS) messaging between UE 204 and the Short Message Service Function (SMSF) (not shown), and security anchor functionality (SEAF). The AMF also interacts with the Authentication Server Function (AUSF) (not shown) and UE 204, and receives an intermediate key established as a result of the UE 204 authentication process. In cases where authentication is based on the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), the AMF retrieves security material from the AUSSF. The AMF's functions also include security context management (SCM). The SCM receives a key from the SEAF, which is used by the SCM to derive a key that varies depending on the access network. The functionality of AMF also includes location service management for regulatory services, delivery of location service messages between UE 204 and Location Management Function (LMF) 270 and between the new RAN 220 and LMF 270, allocation of EPS bearer identifiers for interoperability with Evolved Packet Systems (EPS), and UE 204 mobility event notification. Furthermore, AMF also supports functionality for non-3GPP access networks.

[0178] The functions of the UPF include: acting as an anchor point for intra / inter-RAT mobility (where applicable), acting as an external protocol data unit (PDU) session point for interconnection to a data network (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., gating, redirection, traffic steering), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, user plane quality of service (QoS) handling (e.g., UL / DL rate enforcement, reflective QoS marking in DL), UL traffic verification (mapping of service data flow (SDF) to QoS flow), transport-level packet marking in UL and DL, DL packet buffering and DL data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding one or more "end markers" to the source RAN node.

[0179] The functions of SMF 262 include session management, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of user plane functions, configuration of traffic guidance at the UPF for routing traffic to the correct destination, control of policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface through which SMF 262 communicates with the AMF side of AMF / UPF 264 is called the N11 interface.

[0180] Another optional aspect may include an LMF270 that can communicate with the NGC 260 to provide location assistance to the UE 204. The LMF 270 can be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules extending across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. The LMF 270 can be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, which can connect to the LMF 270 via the core network, the NGC 260, and / or via the Internet (not described).

[0181] Figure 3A , 3B The document describes several example components (represented by corresponding boxes) that can be incorporated into UE 302 (which may correspond to any UE described herein), base station 304 (which may correspond to any base station described herein), and network entity 306 (which may correspond to or embody any network function described herein, including location server 230 and LMF 270) to support file transfer operations as taught herein. It will be appreciated that these components can be implemented in different types of devices (e.g., in ASICs, in system-on-chips (SoCs), etc.) in different implementations. The described components can also be incorporated into other devices in a communication system. For example, other devices in the system may include components similar to those described to provide similar functionality. Furthermore, a given device may include one or more of these components. For example, a device may include multiple transceiver components that enable the device to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0182] UE 302 and base station 304 each include a wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceiver 310 and 350 configured to communicate via one or more wireless communication networks (not shown) (such as NR networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, etc.). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may be connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356, respectively, for communicating with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNB, gNB)) over a wireless communication medium of interest (e.g., a time / frequency resource set in a specific spectrum) via at least one designated RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may be configured, in various ways, to transmit and encode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.) according to the designated RAT, and conversely, to receive and decode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, transceivers 310 and 350 each include one or more transmitters 314 and 354 for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358, respectively, and each includes one or more receivers 312 and 352 for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358, respectively.

[0183] In at least some cases, UE 302 and base station 304 also include wireless local area network (WLAN) transceivers 320 and 360, respectively. WLAN transceivers 320 and 360 may be connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, respectively, for use via at least one designated RAT (e.g., WiFi, LTE-D, etc.). The WLAN transceivers 320 and 360 can be configured, according to a specified RAT, in various ways to transmit and encode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.), and conversely, to receive and decode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.). Specifically, transceivers 320 and 360 each include one or more transmitters 324 and 364 for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368, respectively, and one or more receivers 322 and 362 for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368, respectively.

[0184] A transceiver circuit system including a transmitter and a receiver may, in some implementations, include integrated devices (e.g., transmitter and receiver circuitry implemented as a single communication device), in some implementations, include separate transmitter and receiver devices, or in other implementations, may be implemented in a different manner. In one aspect, the transmitter may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 336, and 376), such as an antenna array, which allows the corresponding device to perform transmit "beamforming," as described herein. Similarly, the receiver may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 336, and 376), such as an antenna array, which allows the corresponding device to perform receive beamforming, as described herein. In another aspect, the transmitter and receiver may share the same multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 336, and 376) such that the corresponding device can only receive or transmit at a given time, rather than both simultaneously. The wireless communication devices of devices 302 and / or 304 (e.g., one or both of transceivers 310 and 320 and / or one or both of transceivers 350 and 360) may also include network eavesdropping modules (NLMs) for performing various measurements.

[0185] In at least some cases, devices 302 and 304 also include Satellite Positioning System (SPS) receivers 330 and 370. SPS receivers 330 and 370 may be connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, respectively, to receive SPS signals 338 and 378 (such as Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) signals, Galileo signals, BeiDou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC), Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), etc.). SPS receivers 330 and 370 may each include any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing SPS signals 338 and 378. SPS receivers 330 and 370 request information and operations from other systems as appropriate and perform necessary calculations to determine the positioning of devices 302 and 304 using measurements obtained by any suitable SPS algorithm.

[0186] Base station 304 and network entity 306 each include at least one network interface 380 and 390 for communicating with other network entities. For example, network interfaces 380 and 390 (e.g., one or more network access ports) may be configured to communicate with one or more network entities via a wired or wireless backhaul connection. In some aspects, network interfaces 380 and 390 may be implemented as transceivers configured to support wired or wireless signal communication. This communication may involve, for example, sending and receiving messages, parameters, or other types of information.

[0187] Apparatus 302, 304, and 306 also include other components that can be used in conjunction with operations disclosed herein. UE 302 includes a processor circuitry implemented with a processing system 332 for providing, for example, functionality related to erroneous base station (FBS) detection as disclosed herein, and for providing other processing functionality. Base station 304 includes a processing system 384 for providing, for example, functionality related to FBS detection as disclosed herein, and for providing other processing functionality. Network entity 306 includes a processing system 394 for providing, for example, functionality related to FBS detection as disclosed herein, and for providing other processing functionality. In one aspect, processing systems 332, 384, and 394 may include, for example, one or more general-purpose processors, multi-core processors, ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry.

[0188] Devices 302, 304, and 306 include memory circuit systems that respectively implement memory components 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a memory device) for maintaining information (e.g., information indicating reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, etc.). In some cases, devices 302, 304, and 306 may include positioning measurement modules 342, 388, and 389, respectively. Positioning measurement modules 342, 388, and 389 may be hardware circuitry that is part of or coupled to processing systems 332, 384, and 394, which, when executed, cause devices 302, 304, and 306 to perform the functionality described herein. Alternatively, positioning measurement modules 342, 388, and 398 may be memory modules (e.g., memory devices) stored in memory components 340, 386, and 396. Figure 3A (as shown in -C), these memory modules, when executed by processing systems 332, 384, and 394, enable devices 302, 304, and 306 to perform the functionality described herein.

[0189] UE 302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to processing system 332 to provide motion and / or orientation information independent of motion data derived from signals received by WWAN transceiver 310, WLAN transceiver 320, and / or GPS receiver 330. As an example, sensors 344 may include accelerometers (e.g., microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices), gyroscopes, geomagnetic sensors (e.g., compasses), altimeters (e.g., barometric altimeters), and / or any other type of motion detection sensor. Furthermore, sensors 344 may include multiple different types of devices and combine their outputs to provide motion information. For example, sensors 344 may use a combination of multi-axis accelerometers and orientation sensors to provide the ability to calculate positioning in 2D and / or 3D coordinate systems.

[0190] In addition, UE 302 includes a user interface 346 for providing indications to the user (e.g., audible and / or visual indications) and / or for receiving user input (e.g., when the user actuates a sensing device (such as a keypad, touchscreen, microphone, etc.)). Although not shown, devices 304 and 306 may also include user interfaces.

[0191] Referring more specifically to processing system 384, in the downlink, IP packets from network entity 306 can be provided to processing system 384. Processing system 384 can implement functionality for the RRC layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The processing system 384 can provide RRC layer functionality associated with broadcast system information (e.g., Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB)), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration of UE measurement reports; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression, security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer packet data unit (PDU) delivery, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC service data units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority handling, and logical channel priority ordering.

[0192] Transmitter 354 and receiver 352 implement Layer-1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Layer-1, including the physical (PHY) layer, may include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. Transmitter 354 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The encoded and modulated symbols can then be split into parallel streams. Each stream can then be mapped to an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarrier, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., a pilot) in the time and / or frequency domains, and subsequently combined using an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying a time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM stream is spatially precoded to generate multiple spatial streams. Channel estimates from the channel estimator can be used to determine the coding and modulation schemes, as well as for spatial processing. These channel estimates can be derived from reference signals transmitted by UE 302 and / or channel condition feedback. Each spatial stream can then be provided to one or more different antennas 356. Transmitter 354 can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate an RF carrier for transmission.

[0193] At UE 302, receiver 312 receives signals via its respective antenna(s) 316. Receiver 312 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to processing system 332. Transmitter 314 and receiver 312 implement Layer-1 functionality associated with various signal processing functions. Receiver 312 can perform spatial processing on this information to recover any spatial stream destined for UE 302. If multiple spatial streams are destined for UE 302, they can be combined by receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. Receiver 312 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to transform the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. This frequency domain signal comprises a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. Symbols on each subcarrier, along with a reference signal, are recovered and demodulated by determining the signal constellation points most likely to be transmitted by base station 304. These soft decisions can be based on channel estimates calculated by a channel estimator. These soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the original data and control signals transmitted by base station 304 over the physical channel. These data and control signals are then provided to processing system 332, which implements layer 3 and layer 2 functionality.

[0194] In the UL, processing system 332 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from the core network. Processing system 332 is also responsible for error detection.

[0195] Similar to the functionality described in conjunction with DL transmissions performed by base station 304, processing system 332 provides RRC layer functionality associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) capture, RRC connection, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functionality associated with header compression / decompression and security (cryptography, cryptographic decoding, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functionality associated with upper-layer PDU transmission, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functionality associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing MACSDUs onto transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via HARQ, priority handling, and logical channel priority ordering.

[0196] The channel estimate derived by the channel estimator from the reference signal or feedback transmitted by the base station 304 can be used by the transmitter 314 to select appropriate coding and modulation schemes, and to facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by the transmitter 314 can be provided to different antennas 316. The transmitter 314 can use the corresponding spatial stream to modulate the RF carrier for transmission.

[0197] UL transmissions are processed at base station 304 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver function at UE 302. Receiver 352 receives signals via its respective antenna(s) 356. Receiver 352 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to processing system 384.

[0198] In the UL, processing system 384 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, cipher decoding, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from UE 302. IP packets from processing system 384 can then be provided to the core network. Processing system 384 is also responsible for error detection.

[0199] For convenience, devices 302, 304 and / or 306 are in Figure 3A The -C block is shown to include various components that can be configured according to the various examples described herein. However, it will be understood that the illustrated boxes may have different functionalities in different designs.

[0200] The various components of devices 302, 304 and 306 can communicate with each other via data buses 344, 382 and 392, respectively. Figure 3A -C components can be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, Figure 3AThe components of -C can be implemented in one or more circuits, such as, for example, one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit may use and / or incorporate at least one memory component for storing information or executable code used by that circuit to provide this functionality. For example, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 310 to 346 may be implemented by the processor and / or memory components of UE 302 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 350 to 389 may be implemented by the processor and / or memory components of base station 304 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). Furthermore, some or all of the functionality represented by blocks 390 to 396 may be implemented by the processor and / or memory components of network entity 306 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriately configuring the processor components). For simplicity, various operations, actions, and / or functions are described herein as being performed "by the UE," "by the base station," "by the positioning entity," etc. However, as will be understood, such operations, actions, and / or functions can actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components of the UE, base station, positioning entity, etc., such as processing systems 332, 384, 394, transceivers 310, 320, 350, and 360, memory components 340, 386, and 396, positioning measurement modules 342, 388, and 389, etc.

[0201] Figure 4A Figure 400 illustrates an example of a DL frame structure according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4B Figure 430 illustrates an example of a channel within a DL frame structure according to various aspects of this disclosure. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels.

[0202] LTE, and in some cases NR, utilizes OFDM on the downlink and single-carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the uplink. However, unlike LTE, NR also has the option to use OFDM on the uplink. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are often referred to as frequency modulation, frequency slots, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Generally, modulation symbols are transmitted in the frequency domain for OFDM and in the time domain for SC-FDM. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can depend on the system bandwidth. For example, the subcarrier spacing can be 15 kHz, and the minimum resource allocation (resource block) can be 12 subcarriers (or 180 kHz). Therefore, for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, the nominal FFT size can be equal to 128, 256, 512, 1024, or 2048, respectively. The system bandwidth can also be divided into subbands. For example, a subband can cover 1.08MHz (i.e., 6 resource blocks), and for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20MHz, there can be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 subbands, respectively.

[0203] LTE supports single-parameter design (subcarrier spacing, symbol length, etc.). In contrast, NR supports multiple-parameter design; for example, subcarrier spacings of 15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, 120kHz, and 204kHz or greater can be available. Table 1 below lists some of the various parameters used for different NR parameter designs.

[0204]

[0205] Table 1

[0206] exist Figure 4A and 4B In the example, a 15kHz parameter design is used. Therefore, in the time domain, a frame (e.g., 10ms) is divided into 10 equal-sized subframes, each 1ms, and each subframe includes one time slot. Figure 4A and 4B In this context, time is represented horizontally (e.g., on the X-axis), where time increases from left to right, while frequency is represented vertically (e.g., on the Y-axis), where frequency increases (or decreases) from bottom to top.

[0207] A resource grid can be used to represent time slots, each time slot comprising one or more concurrent resource blocks (RBs) (also known as physical RBs (PRBs)) in the frequency domain. The resource grid is further divided into multiple resource elements (REs). An RE corresponds to one symbol length in the time domain and one subcarrier in the frequency domain. Figure 4A and 4B In the parameter design, for a normal cyclic prefix, the RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 7 consecutive symbols in the time domain (OFDM symbols for DL; SC-FDMA symbols for UL), for a total of 84 REs. For an extended cyclic prefix, the RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and 6 consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 72 REs. The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0208] like Figure 4A As explained in the text, some REs carry DL reference (pilot) signals (DL-RS) for channel estimation at the UE. The DL-RS may include a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), with exemplary locations in... Figure 4A It is marked as "R".

[0209] Figure 4B Examples of various channels within the DL subframe of a frame are explained. The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries DL Control Information (DCI) within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs). Each CCE includes nine RE Groups (REGs), and each REG includes four consecutive REs in OFDM symbols. The DCI carries information about UL resource allocation (persistent and non-persistent) and a description of the DL data transmitted to the UE. Multiple (e.g., up to eight) DCIs can be configured in the PDCCH, and these DCIs can have one of several formats. For example, different DCI formats exist for UL scheduling, for non-MIMO DL scheduling, for MIMO DL scheduling, and for UL power control.

[0210] The Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) is used by the UE to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identity. The Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) is used by the UE to determine the physical layer cell identity group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identity and physical layer cell identity group number, the UE can determine the PCI. Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DL-RS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) carrying the MIB can be logically grouped with the PSS and SSS to form the SSB (also known as SS / PBCH). The MIB provides the number of RBs in the DL system bandwidth and the System Frame Number (SFN). The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information (such as System Information Blocks (SIBs)) not transmitted via the PBCH, and paging messages.

[0211] In some cases, Figure 4A The DL RS explained in the text can be the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS). Figure 5 An exemplary PRS configuration 500 for a cellular cell supported by a wireless node (such as base station 102) is explained. Figure 5 This illustrates how PRS positioning timing is influenced by the system frame number (SFN) and the subframe offset (Δ) that varies depending on the cell. PRS )552 and PRS periodicity (T PRS )520. Typically, the PRS subframe configuration, which varies from cell to cell, is determined by the "PRS configuration index" included in the observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) auxiliary data. PRS To define. PRS periodicity (T PRS )520 and subframe offset (Δ) that varies depending on the cell PRS ) is based on PRS configuration index I PRS It is defined as follows, as explained in Table 2 below.

[0212]

[0213] Table 2

[0214] The PRS configuration is defined with reference to the SFN of the cell transmitting the PRS. For N PRS The first subframe of each downlink subframe includes the first subframe of the first PRS positioning time, and the PRS instance can satisfy:

[0215]

[0216] Where n f It is SFN, where 0≤n f ≤1023, n s It is composed of n f The number of time slots within a defined radio frame, where 0 ≤ n s ≤19, TPRS It is a PRS periodicity of 520, and Δ PRS The subframe offset is 552, which varies depending on the cell.

[0217] like Figure 5 As shown, the subframe offset Δ varies depending on the cell. PRS 552 can be defined as the number of subframes transmitted from system frame number 0 (time slot "number 0", marked as time slot 550) to the start of the first (subsequent) PRS positioning timing. Figure 5 In the example, the number of consecutive positioning subframes (N) in each consecutive PRS positioning time 518a, 518b and 518c PRS The value is 4. That is, each shadow block in PRS positioning time 518a, 518b and 518c represents four subframes.

[0218] In some respects, when the UE receives PRS configuration index I in OTDOA auxiliary data for a specific cell... PRS At that time, the UE can use Table 2 to determine the periodicity T of the PRS. PRS 520 and PRS subframe offset Δ PRS The UE can then determine the radio frame, subframe, and time slot when the PRS is scheduled in the cell (e.g., using equation (1)). The OTDOA auxiliary data can be determined by, for example, a location server (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270) and includes auxiliary data for the reference cell and several neighboring cells supported by the respective base stations.

[0219] Typically, PRS timings from all cells using the same frequency in the network are time-aligned and can have a fixed, known time offset relative to other cells using different frequencies in the network (e.g., a subframe offset of 552 that varies depending on the cell). In a synchronous SFN network, all radio nodes (e.g., base station 102) can be aligned on both frame boundaries and system frame numbers. Therefore, in a synchronous SFN network, all cells supported by each radio node can use the same PRS configuration index for any specific frequency of PRS transmission. On the other hand, in an asynchronous SFN network, radio nodes can be aligned on frame boundaries but not on system frame numbers. Therefore, in an asynchronous SFN network, the PRS configuration index for each cell can be configured individually by the network to ensure that PRS timings are time-aligned.

[0220] If the UE can obtain the cell timing (e.g., SFN) of at least one cell (e.g., a reference cell or serving cell), the UE can determine the timing of the PRS timing of the reference cell and neighboring cells for OTDOA positioning. The timing of other cells can then be derived by the UE, for example, based on assumptions about the overlap of PRS timings from different cells.

[0221] The various NR positioning aspects introduced in 3GPP Release 16 involve improving the location accuracy of positioning schemes, which involve measurements associated with one or more UL or DL ​​PRSs (e.g., higher bandwidth (BW), FR2 beamsweeping, angle-based measurements such as angle of arrival (AoA) and angle of departure (AoD) measurements, multi-cell round-trip time (RTT) measurements, etc.). If reducing latency is a priority, UE-based positioning techniques (e.g., DL-only techniques without UL location measurement reports) are typically used. However, if latency is less critical, UE-assisted positioning techniques can be used, where data measured by the UE is reported to network entities (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, etc.). Implementing LMF in the RAN can reduce latency associated with UE-assisted positioning techniques to some extent.

[0222] Layer 3 (L3) signaling (e.g., RRC or Location Positioning Protocol (LPP)) is typically used to transmit location-based data, including data associated with UE-assisted positioning technologies. Compared to Layer 1 (L1 or PHY layer) signaling or Layer 2 (L2 or MAC layer) signaling, L3 signaling is associated with relatively high latency (e.g., more than 100 ms). In some cases, lower latency (e.g., less than 100 ms, less than 10 ms, etc.) for location-based reporting between the UE and the RAN is expected. In such cases, L3 signaling may not be able to achieve these lower latency levels. L3 signaling for positioning measurements may include any combination of the following:

[0223] • One or more TOA, TDOA, RSRP, or Rx-Tx measurements,

[0224] • One or more AoA / AoD measurements (e.g., currently only for gNB->LMF reporting DL AoA and UL AoD agreed upon),

[0225] • One or more multipath reporting measurements, such as per-path ToA, RSRP, AoA / AoD (e.g., per-path ToA currently only allowed in LTE).

[0226] • One or more motion states (e.g., walking, driving, etc.) and trajectories (e.g., currently for the UE), and / or

[0227] • One or more report quality indicators.

[0228] Recently, the use of L1 and L2 signaling in association with PRS-based reports has been envisioned. For example, L1 and L2 signaling are currently used in some systems to transmit CSI reports (e.g., Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI), Layer Indicator (Li), L1-RSRP, etc.). CSI reports may include a set of fields in a predefined order (e.g., defined by relevant standards). A single UL transmission (e.g., on PUSCH or PUCCH) may include multiple reports, referred to herein as “sub-reports,” which are arranged according to a predefined priority (e.g., defined by relevant standards). In some designs, the predefined order may be based on the associated sub-report periodicity (e.g., aperiodic / semi-persistent / periodic (A / SP / P) on PUSCH / PUCCH), measurement type (e.g., L1-RSRP or non-L1-RSRP), serving cell index (e.g., in the case of carrier aggregation (CA),) and report configuration ID (reportconfigID). For a two-part CSI report, all Part 1 reports are grouped together, and Part 2 is grouped separately, with each group encoded separately (e.g., the Part 1 payload size is fixed based on configuration parameters, while the Part 2 size is variable and depends on the configuration parameters and also on the associated Part 1 content). The number of encoded bits / symbols to be output after encoding and rate matching is calculated based on the number of input bits and a beta factor according to relevant criteria. A link (e.g., time offset) is defined between the measured instance of the RS and the corresponding report. In some designs, CSI-like reporting of PRS-based measurement data using L1 and L2 signaling can be implemented.

[0229] Figure 6 An exemplary wireless communication system 600 according to various aspects of this disclosure has been described. Figure 6 In the example, UE604 (which can correspond to the above regarding...) Figure 1 Any UE described (e.g., UE 104, UE 182, UE 190, etc.) is attempting to calculate an estimate of its location, or assisting another entity (e.g., a base station or core network component, another UE, a location server, a third-party application, etc.) in calculating an estimate of its location. UE 604 can use RF signals and standardized protocols for modulating RF signals and exchanging information packets to wirelessly communicate with multiple base stations 602a-d (collectively referred to as base stations 602), which can correspond to... Figure 1Any combination of base station 102 or 180 and / or WLAN AP 150. By extracting different types of information from the exchanged RF signals and utilizing the layout of the wireless communication system 600 (i.e., base station location, geometry, etc.), the UE 604 can determine its location, or assist in determining its location in a predefined reference coordinate system. In one aspect, the UE 604 can use a two-dimensional coordinate system to specify its location; however, the aspects disclosed herein are not limited to this, and it is also applicable to using a three-dimensional coordinate system to determine location when additional dimensions are desired. Additionally, although Figure 6 The description includes one UE 604 and four base stations 602, but as will be understood, there may be more UEs 604 and more or fewer base stations 602.

[0230] To support location estimation, base stations 602 can be configured to broadcast reference RF signals (e.g., Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), Cellular Reference Signal (CRS), Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), synchronization signal, etc.) to each UE 604 in their coverage area, enabling UE 604 to measure the timing difference (e.g., OTDOA or RSTD) of the reference RF signals between pairs of network nodes and / or to identify the beams that optimally excite the LOS or shortest radio path between UE 604 and the transmitting base station 602. Identifying the LOS / shortest path beams is of interest not only because these beams can subsequently be used for OTDOA measurements between a pair of base stations 602, but also because identifying these beams can directly provide some location information based on beam direction. Furthermore, these beams can subsequently be used for other location estimation methods requiring accurate ToA, such as methods based on round-trip time estimation.

[0231] As used herein, "network node" can refer to base station 602, the cell of base station 602, the remote radio head, or the antenna of base station 602, wherein the location of the antenna of base station 602 differs from the location of base station 602 itself or the location of any other network entity capable of transmitting reference signals. Furthermore, as used herein, "node" can refer to a network node or a UE.

[0232] A location server (e.g., location server 230) may send auxiliary data to UE 604, which includes: identifiers of one or more neighboring cells of base station 602, and configuration information regarding the reference RF signal transmitted by each neighboring cell. Alternatively, the auxiliary data may originate directly from each base station 602 itself (e.g., in periodically broadcast overhead messages, etc.). Alternatively, UE 604 may detect neighboring cells of base station 602 itself without using auxiliary data. UE 604 (e.g., based in part on auxiliary data (if provided)) may measure and (optionally) report OTDOA from individual network nodes and / or RSTD between received reference RF signals from each network node pair. Using these measurements and the known locations of the measured network nodes (i.e., base stations 602 or antennas(s) transmitting the reference RF signals measured by UE 604), UE 604 or the location server may determine the distance between UE 604 and the measured network nodes, and thereby calculate the location of UE 604.

[0233] The term "location estimate" is used herein to refer to an estimate of the location of UE 604, which can be geographic (e.g., may include latitude, longitude, and possibly altitude) or municipal (e.g., may include street address, building name, or a precise point or area within or near a building or street address (such as a specific entrance to a building, a specific room or suite within a building), or a landmark (such as a town square)). The location estimate may also be referred to as "location," "location," "lock," "location lock," "location lock," "location estimate," "lock estimate," or some other term. The method of obtaining a location estimate may generally be referred to as "location," "addressing," or "location lock." A specific solution used to obtain a location estimate may be referred to as a "location solution." A specific method used as part of a location solution to obtain a location estimate may be referred to as a "location method" or "location determination method."

[0234] The term "base station" can refer to a single physical transmission point or multiple physical transmission points that may or may not be located in the same place. For example, when the term "base station" refers to a single physical transmission point, that physical transmission point can be a base station antenna corresponding to a cell of a base station (e.g., base station 602). When the term "base station" refers to multiple physical transmission points located in the same place, these physical transmission points can be antenna arrays of a base station (e.g., as in a MIMO system or where beamforming is used at the base station). When the term "base station" refers to multiple physical transmission points not located in the same place, these physical transmission points can be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a network of spatially separated antennas connected to a common source via a transmission medium) or a remote radio headend (RRH) (a remote base station connected to a serving base station). Alternatively, these non-co-located physical transmission points can be the serving base station from which a measurement report is received from a UE (e.g., UE 604) and neighboring base stations from which the UE is measuring its reference RF signal. Therefore, Figure 6 The explanation details one aspect of how base stations 602a and 602b form a DAS / RRH 620. For example, base station 602a can be the serving base station of UE 604, and base station 602b can be a neighboring base station of UE 604. Thus, base station 602b can be the RRH of base station 602a. Base stations 602a and 602b can communicate with each other on a wired or wireless link 622.

[0235] To accurately determine the location of UE 604 using the OTDOA and / or RSTD between received RF signals from various network nodes, UE 604 needs to measure the reference RF signal received on the LOS path (or the shortest NLOS path if the LOS path is unavailable) between UE 604 and a network node (e.g., base station 602, antenna). However, the RF signal travels not only along the LOS / shortest path between the transmitter and receiver, but also along several other paths because the RF signal extends from the transmitter and is reflected by other objects (such as hills, buildings, water, etc.) on its way to the receiver. Therefore, Figure 6 The document explains several LOS paths 610 and several NLOS paths 612 between base station 602 and UE 604. Specifically, Figure 6 It was explained that base station 602a transmits on LOS path 610a and NLOS path 612a, base station 602b transmits on LOS path 610b and two NLOS paths 612b, base station 602c transmits on LOS path 610c and NLOS path 612c, and base station 602d transmits on two NLOS paths 612d. Figure 6As explained herein, each NLOS path 612 is reflected from an object 630 (e.g., a building). As will be understood, each LOS path 610 and NLOS path 612 transmitted by base station 602 may be transmitted by different antennas of base station 602 (e.g., as in a MIMO system), or may be transmitted by the same antenna of base station 602 (thus explaining the propagation of RF signals). Furthermore, as used herein, the term "LOS path" refers to the shortest path between the transmitter and receiver, and may not be the actual LOS path but rather the shortest NLOS path.

[0236] In one aspect, one or more base stations 602 may be configured to use beamforming to transmit RF signals. In this case, some available beams may focus the transmitted RF signal along LOS path 610 (e.g., these beams produce the highest antenna gain along the LOS path), while other available beams may focus the transmitted RF signal along NLOS path 612. A beam with high gain along a particular path and thus focusing the RF signal along that path can still cause a certain RF signal to propagate along other paths; the strength of that RF signal naturally depends on the beam gain along those other paths. An “RF signal” includes electromagnetic waves that transmit information through the space between the transmitter and receiver. As used herein, the transmitter may transmit a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to the receiver. However, as further described below, due to the propagation characteristics of each RF signal through a multipath channel, the receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal.

[0237] When base station 602 uses beamforming to transmit RF signals, the beam of interest for data communication between base station 602 and UE 604 will be the beam carrying the RF signal arriving at UE 604 with the highest signal strength (e.g., indicated by received signal received power (RSRP) or SINR in the presence of directional interference signals), while the beam of interest for positioning estimation will be the beam carrying the RF signal that triggers the shortest path or LOS path (e.g., LOS path 610). In some frequency bands and for commonly used antenna systems, these beams will be the same. However, in other frequency bands (such as mmW), where a large number of antenna elements can typically be used to create a narrow transmit beam, they may not be the same beam. See the following reference... Figure 7 As described, in some cases, the signal strength of the RF signal on LOS path 610 may be weaker (e.g., due to obstacles) than the signal strength of the RF signal on NLOS path 612, where the RF signal arrives later due to propagation delay.

[0238] Figure 7An exemplary wireless communication system 700 according to various aspects of this disclosure has been explained. Figure 7 In the example, UE704 (which can correspond to) Figure 6 UE 604 is attempting to calculate an estimate of its location, or assisting another entity (e.g., a base station or core network component, another UE, a location server, a third-party application, etc.) in calculating an estimate of its location. UE 704 can use RF signals and standardized protocols for RF signal modulation and packet exchange to communicate with base station 702 (which may correspond to...). Figure 6 (One of the base stations 602 in the system) conducts wireless communication.

[0239] like Figure 7 As explained, base station 702 is using beamforming to transmit multiple beams 711–715 of RF signals. Each beam 711–715 can be formed and transmitted by the antenna array of base station 702. Although Figure 7 It has been explained that base station 702 transmits five beams 711–715, but as will be understood, there may be more or fewer than five beams, the beam shapes (such as peak gain, width and sidelobe gain) may differ between the transmitted beams, and some of these beams may be transmitted by different base stations.

[0240] For the purpose of distinguishing RF signals associated with one beam from RF signals associated with another beam, a beam index can be assigned to each of the plurality of beams 711-715. Furthermore, the RF signal associated with a specific beam among the plurality of beams 711-715 can carry a beam index indicator. The beam index can also be derived from the transmission time of the RF signal (e.g., frame, time slot, and / or OFDM symbol number). The beam index indicator can be, for example, a three-bit field used to uniquely distinguish up to eight beams. If two different RF signals with different beam indices are received, this indicates that the two RF signals are transmitted using different beams. If two different RF signals share a common beam index, this indicates that the two different RF signals are transmitted using the same beam. Another way to describe that two RF signals are transmitted using the same beam is that the antenna ports(s) used for the transmission of the first RF signal are spatially quasi-co-located with the antenna ports(s) used for the transmission of the second RF signal.

[0241] exist Figure 7 In the example, UE 704 receives NLOS data stream 723 of RF signals transmitted on beam 713 and LOS data stream 724 of RF signals transmitted on beam 714. Although Figure 7The NLOS data stream 723 and LOS data stream 724 are illustrated as single lines (dashed and solid, respectively), but as will be understood, the NLOS data stream 723 and LOS data stream 724 may each comprise multiple rays (i.e., "clusters") up to the time of their arrival at UE 704, for example, due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels. For example, when electromagnetic waves are reflected by multiple surfaces of an object and these reflections arrive at the receiver (e.g., UE 704) from approximately the same angle, a cluster of RF signals is formed, with each reflection traveling a few wavelengths (e.g., centimeters) more or less than the others. A "cluster" of received RF signals generally corresponds to a single transmitted RF signal.

[0242] exist Figure 7 In the example, NLOS data stream 723 does not initially point to UE 704, although, as will be understood, it could have initially pointed to UE 704, as in Figure 6 The RF signal on NLOS path 612 is the same. However, it is reflected by reflectors 740 (e.g., buildings) and reaches UE 704 unimpeded, and therefore can still be a relatively strong RF signal. In contrast, LOS data stream 724 is directed toward UE 704 but passes through obstacles 730 (e.g., vegetation, buildings, hills, destructive environments such as clouds or smoke), which can significantly degrade the RF signal. As will be appreciated, although LOS data stream 724 is weaker than NLOS data stream 723, LOS data stream 724 will arrive at UE 704 before NLOS data stream 723 because it follows the shorter path from base station 702 to UE 704.

[0243] As mentioned above, the beam of interest used for data communication between a base station (e.g., base station 702) and a UE (e.g., UE 704) is the beam carrying the RF signal arriving at the UE with the highest signal strength (e.g., highest RSRP or SINR), while the beam of interest used for positioning estimation is the beam carrying the RF signal that excites the LOS path and has the highest gain along the LOS path among all other beams (e.g., beam 714). That is, even if beam 713 (NLOS beam) would originally weakly excite the LOS path (due to the propagation characteristics of the RF signal, even if it is not focused along the LOS path), the weak signal (if any) of the LOS path of beam 713 may not be reliably detected (compared to the LOS path from beam 714), thus leading to a larger error when performing positioning measurements.

[0244] While the beam of interest used for data communication and the beam of interest used for positioning estimation may be the same beam for some frequency bands, they may not be the same beam for other frequency bands (such as mmW). Thus, refer to... Figure 7When UE 704 participates in a data communication session with base station 702 (e.g., where base station 702 is the serving base station of UE 704) and is not simply attempting to measure a reference RF signal transmitted by base station 702, the beam of interest for the data communication session could be beam 713, as it carries an unobstructed NLOS data stream 723. However, the beam of interest for positioning estimation would be beam 714, as it carries the strongest LOS data stream 724, despite being obstructed.

[0245] Figure 8A Figure 800A illustrates the RF channel response at the receiver (e.g., UE 704) over time according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 8A Under the described channel conditions, the receiver receives a first cluster of two RF signals at the channel tap at time T1, a second cluster of five RF signals at the channel tap at time T2, a third cluster of five RF signals at the channel tap at time T3, and a fourth cluster of four RF signals at the channel tap at time T4. Figure 8A In the example, since the first RF signal cluster arrives first at time T1, it is assumed to be a LOS data stream (i.e., a data stream arriving on the LOS or shortest path) and can correspond to LOS data stream 724. The third cluster at time T3 consists of the strongest RF signal and can correspond to NLOS data stream 723. From the sender's side, each cluster receiving the RF signal may include a portion of the RF signal transmitted at a different angle, and therefore it can be said that each cluster has a different angle of origin (AoD) from the sender. Figure 8B This is a diagram 800B illustrating this separation of clusters according to AoD. The RF signals transmitted within the AoD range 802a can correspond to... Figure 8A One of the clusters (e.g., "cluster 1"), and the RF signals transmitted in the AoD range 802b can correspond to Figure 8A A different cluster (e.g., "cluster 3"). Note that although in Figure 8B The AoD ranges of the two clusters depicted are spatially isolated, but the AoD ranges of some clusters may partially overlap, even though these clusters are temporally separated. This can occur, for example, when two separate buildings at the same AoD from the transmitter reflect signals toward the receiver. Note that although... Figure 8A Clusters with two to five channel taps (or “peaks”) are described, but as will be understood, these clusters may have more or fewer channel taps than the number described.

[0246] In some designs, the earliest channel tap of the RS (such as PRS or SRS for positioning) is used to determine its corresponding TOA. However, if time synchronization between the UE and the network is inaccurate, errors may occur in the TOA estimation at the UE, such as... Figure 9 As depicted in the text. Figure 9 Channel response 900 at the UE receiver according to another embodiment of this disclosure is described. Due to timing misalignment at the UE, channel tap 902 associated with gNB2 and channel tap 904 associated with gNB1 are received at the UE receiver. Due to timing misalignment at the UE, the UE measures the arrival time of channel taps 902 and 904 relative to an incorrect timing reference not aligned with each gNB, which leads to incorrect TOA estimation for RS from gNB1 and gNB2. Although not explicitly described, similar timing misalignment may occur at the gNB in ​​measurements of uplink reference signals used for positioning (such as SRS for positioning).

[0247] If the timing offset between the UE and the network is shared across all PRS signals from different gNBs, the UE can eliminate the effect of the offset by taking into account the differences in TOA. For example, the UE can be configured to report the Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD), which is the Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) of PRS signals from two different gNBs.

[0248] Due to the multipath nature of channels, the channel estimated by the UE can contain several taps corresponding to multiple signal paths. In some cases, the UE may need to balance the objective of identifying the earliest channel tap with the need to avoid incorrectly declaring noise samples as the earliest channel tap. In some cases, if the direct path between the gNB and the UE is blocked, the LOS channel taps can be significantly attenuated. This can cause the UE to estimate the TOA based on the second or other subsequent channel taps, resulting in an overestimation of the TOA. This aspect is... Figure 10 The explanation is given in the middle. Figure 10 A channel response 1000 at the UE receiver according to another embodiment of this disclosure is depicted. Figure 10 In the process, the earliest channel tap 1002 is weaker in terms of peak amplitude, while the later channel tap 1004 is stronger in terms of peak amplitude. Therefore, channel tap 1004 can be used to derive the TOA, leading to an overestimation of the TOA (which, based on the overestimation, further increases the error in the associated positioning estimation). Although not explicitly stated, similar measurement errors may occur at the gNB regarding measurements of uplink reference signals used for positioning (such as the SRS used for positioning).

[0249] In some designs, the UE or gNB can also be configured to report the timing of additional path segments relative to a reference timing (such as the estimated TOA). In some cases, the timing of additional path segments may be insufficient because the network cannot determine whether a reported tap corresponds to a true path or is a spurious tap due to noise. In such cases, if the UE or gNB sends more channel metrics based on the channel estimate, this can enable the network (or UE) to make a more accurate determination about the earliest tap (potentially taking into account other available information). In such scenarios, it is generally desirable to keep the reporting overhead low to conserve communication resources.

[0250] One or more embodiments of this disclosure thus involve detecting and / or reporting peak amplitude data associated with multiple peaks (or channel taps) of a set of channel response measurements for a reference signal used for positioning (such as DL PRS or UL SRS for positioning). In some designs, the detection and / or reporting of such peak amplitude data can facilitate a more accurate derivation of the TOA for the associated reference signal (e.g., by more accurately identifying the earliest or LOS channel tap for the reference signal), which provides the technical advantage of reducing positioning estimation errors for the UE.

[0251] Figure 11 An exemplary process 1100 of wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure has been explained. In one aspect, process 1100 may be performed by a first node (such as...) Figure 3A UE 302 or Figure 3B BS 304) to execute.

[0252] At 1110, the first node (e.g., positioning measurement module 342, receiver 312, receiver 352, positioning measurement module 388, etc.) performs channel response measurements on the reference signal used for positioning. In some designs, the channel response measurement may include SINR measurement. In some designs, the first node may correspond to the UE, and the reference signal used for positioning may correspond to the PRS. In other designs, the first node may correspond to the BS (or gNB), and the reference signal used for positioning may correspond to the SRS used for positioning. However, other types of reference signals for positioning may be used in other designs.

[0253] At 1120, the first node (e.g., receiver 312, PRS measurement module 342, receiver 352, positioning measurement module 388, etc.) determines peak-variable information for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement. This peak-variable information includes at least peak amplitude data based on the peak amplitude relative to a reference value. In some designs, the peak amplitude data may include the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak. In some designs, the channel response measurement may include measuring a series of samples across a time period in the form of a channel response metric (e.g., SINR). In some designs, the plurality of peaks may include the first N peaks in the form of SINR or amplitude, whereby N is configured by the base station (e.g., via L1, L2, or L3 RRC or LPP signaling, etc.). In some designs, the first node may correspond to the UE, and the reference signal used for positioning may correspond to the PRS, and the value of N may be configured by the base station in conjunction with PRS configuration signaling. In some designs, the first node may correspond to the BS, and the reference signal used for positioning may correspond to the SRS used for positioning, and the value of N may be configured by the base station in conjunction with SRS configuration signaling. In some designs, the reference value may be configured by the base station (e.g., via L1, L2, or L3 RRC or LPP signaling, etc.). In other designs, the reference value may be determined independently at the UE (e.g., as the maximum or median amplitude of the channel estimation sample). In one example, the time associated with each of the plurality of peaks may also be determined relative to a reference timing (e.g., the estimated TOA of the reference signal used for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving BS, or a combination thereof). In a further example, the plurality of peaks (N peaks) may follow a peak separation parameter. For example, the peak separation parameter may specify the minimum separation between the peaks (e.g., 1 ms). In some designs, the peak separation parameter may be associated with a reference timing for a time window (e.g., the peak separation parameter may specify the timing of the highest peak as the reference timing, and may specify that the N peaks must fall within a threshold time period from that reference timing).

[0254] At 1130, the first node (e.g., transmitter 314, transmitter 324, transmitter 354, transmitter 364, etc.) reports information about the multiple peaks that varies depending on the peak value to the second node. In some designs, the second node may correspond to the BS (or gNB). In other designs, the second node may correspond to the UE. In some designs, the report at 1130 may correspond to a PRS measurement report transmitted after the PRS measurement period. In other designs, the first node may correspond to the BS (or gNB), and the second node may correspond to the LMF (e.g., integrated with the gNB in ​​cases where the report is an internal report, or external to the gNB in ​​cases where the report can be sent to the LMF via backhaul signaling). In some designs, the report at 1130 may correspond to an SRS measurement report for positioning transmitted after the SRS measurement period for positioning.

[0255] Figure 12 An exemplary process 1200 of wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure has been explained. In one aspect, process 1200 may be performed by a second node (such as...) Figure 3A UE 302, Figure 3B This can be performed using BS 304, LMFs in the RAN (e.g., a part of BS 304), external LMFs (such as LMF 270 or 306), etc.

[0256] At 1210, the second node (e.g., receiver 352, receiver 362, receiver 312, receiver 322, network interface 390, etc.) receives from the first node (e.g., UE or BS) peak-variable information associated with multiple peaks within a channel response measurement of a reference signal used for positioning. This peak-variable information includes at least peak amplitude data based on the peak amplitude relative to a reference value. In some designs, the peak amplitude data may include the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the respective peak. In one example, the peak-variable information received at 1210 may be based on... Figure 11The report transmitted by 1130. For example, peak amplitude data may be based on a series of samples measured at the UE over a time period in the form of a channel response metric (e.g., SINR). In some designs, the multiple peaks may include the first N peaks in the form of SINR, whereby N is configured by the base station (e.g., via L1, L2, or L3 RRC or LPP signaling, etc.). In some designs, the reference signal used for positioning may correspond to a PRS, and the value of N may be configured by the base station in conjunction with PRS configuration signaling. In other designs, the reference signal used for positioning may correspond to an SRS used for positioning, and the value of N may be configured by the base station in conjunction with SRS configuration signaling. In some designs, the reference value may be configured by the base station (e.g., via L1, L2, or L3 RRC or LPP signaling, etc.). In other designs, the reference value may be determined independently at the UE (e.g., as the maximum or median amplitude of the channel estimation samples). In one example, the time associated with each of the plurality of peaks can also be determined relative to a reference timing (e.g., an estimated TOA from a reference signal used for positioning, an estimated TOA from a serving BS, or a combination thereof). In a further example, the plurality of peaks (N peaks) can follow a peak separation parameter. For example, the peak separation parameter can specify a minimum separation between the peaks (e.g., 1 ms). In some designs, the peak separation parameter can be associated with a reference timing for a time window (e.g., the peak separation parameter can specify the timing of the highest peak as the reference timing, and can specify that the N peaks must fall within a threshold time period from that reference timing).

[0257] At 1220, the second node (e.g., PRS measurement module 388, processing system 384, PRS measurement module 342, processing system 332, processing system 394, positioning measurement module 389, etc.) determines a positioning estimate for the UE based on this peak-varying information. In some designs, the determination at 1220 can be achieved via an LMF integrated with the BS (e.g., in a scenario where the second node is the BS). In other designs, the determination at 1220 can be achieved by the UE itself (e.g., in a scenario where the second node is the UE). In some designs, the determination at 1220 can evaluate the peak-varying information to determine whether the estimated TOA at the first node needs correction (e.g., whether the estimated TOA at the first node might be due to factors such as...). Figure 9 The timing error on the UE side (or a similar timing error on the gNB side) is incorrect, and / or the estimated TOA at the first node may be due to, as in Figure 10 The LOS path in the code is too weak to be detected (and therefore incorrect). Specifically, the evaluation at 1220 may include:

[0258] • One or more other PRS reports from the same UE

[0259] • One or more other PRS reports from the same BS,

[0260] • One or more gNB-side measurements (e.g., angle of arrival or time of arrival of the uplink reference signal from the UE, etc.).

[0261] • One or more UE-side measurements (e.g., departure angle or departure time from the uplink reference signal from the UE, etc.)

[0262] • One or more gNB-centered attributes (e.g., position, underslope, etc.), or any combination thereof.

[0263] refer to Figure 11-12 Various parameters (e.g., number of peaks or N, peak amplitude threshold, peak amplitude reference value, time window, peak separation parameter, etc.) can be configured by the BS (or gNB), the UE, or by core network components based on UE capability indications (e.g., capability signaling, whereby the UE informs the network of the values ​​of parameters it can support (e.g., the maximum number of taps it can signal, the maximum amplitude threshold it can operate on, or the maximum time window it can tolerate)). Various signaling associated with communication of the configured parameters mentioned above may include higher-layer protocol signaling (e.g., L3 signaling, such as LPP or L3RRC), signaling exchanged from the LMF to the gNB (e.g., NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa)), lower-layer signaling (e.g., L1 or L2RRC, other physical layer or L1 communication between the UE and the gNB, etc.), or combinations thereof. In an implementation where various parameters (e.g., number of peaks or N, peak amplitude threshold, peak amplitude reference value, time window, peak separation parameter, etc.) are configured by the UE, the UE can (e.g., in association with a report (such as a PRS measurement report)) signal the value of one or more of these parameters to the network.

[0264] refer to Figure 11-12 In an example where the reference signal used for positioning corresponds to a DL reference signal (such as PRS), for each of the multiple peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying by peak may further include the angle of arrival (AoD) associated with the peak (e.g., from BS). In an alternative example where the reference signal used for positioning corresponds to a UL reference signal (such as SRS), for each of the multiple peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying by peak may further include the angle of arrival (AoA) associated with the peak (e.g., at BS).

[0265] Figure 13 An embodiment according to the present disclosure has been explained. Figure 11-12 Example implementation 1300, whereby the multiple peaks comprise N peaks (N=4) across a series of detected channel taps. Figure 13 In the middle, the multiple peaks include four (4) peaks labeled P1, P2, P3 and P4, where the first node has identified P2 as the LOS path of the estimated TOA used to determine the PRS or the SRS used for positioning (e.g., because the peak amplitude of P1 is as in Figure 10 (The value is considered too low at the first node). However, P1 is captured in the first N peaks, and thus, its amplitude data, along with the amplitude data for P2, P3, and P4, is reported to the second node. The second node evaluates the reported amplitude data for P1-P4 and determines that P1, rather than P2, corresponds to the LOS path, thereby enabling correction of the TOA for the PRS or SRS used for positioning. For example, in a scenario where the first node corresponds to the UE and the second node corresponds to the BS, the BS can compare the PRS measurement report from the UE with one or more other measurements or reports to conclude that P1 is the true LOS path (i.e., the true TOA). In an alternative example, in a scenario where the first node corresponds to the BS and the second node corresponds to the UE, the UE can compare the SRS measurement report from the BS with one or more other measurements or reports to conclude that P1 is the true LOS path (i.e., the true TOA).

[0266] refer to Figure 11-12 In some designs, N may be used as the maximum value rather than the desired value. In this case, one or more secondary criteria can be evaluated to determine whether a particular peak qualifies to be included in (or excluded from) the multiple peaks for which it is reported magnitude data.

[0267] Figure 14 The explanation describes the channel response 1400 at the receiver (e.g., UE or BS) of the wireless node, from which... Figure 11-12 Multiple peaks are excluded from the list of peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below a reference value threshold. Figure 14 In this context, the peak amplitude threshold is denoted as X, thus any peak (or channel tap) with a peak amplitude lower than X is not considered part of the plurality of peaks. Therefore, even if N=4, in Figure 14 In the example, only three peaks (P1, P2, and P3) are included among the multiple peaks, and P4 is excluded because it is outside of X (or below X).

[0268] Figure 15 The explanation describes the channel response 1500 at the receiver (e.g., UE or BS) of the wireless node, from which... Figure 11-12These multiple peaks are excluded from the defined time window T. In one example, the defined time window can be defined relative to a reference timing (such as the estimated TOA of the BS transmitting PRS from it, the estimated TOA from the serving BS, the estimated TOA of the UE transmitting SRS for positioning from it, or a combination thereof). Figure 15 In the case where N = 4, and the multiple peaks include four (4) peaks (P1, P2, P3 and P5), and P5 is excluded because it is outside (or below) the defined time window T.

[0269] In other designs, combinations of secondary criteria can be applied to these multiple peaks. For example, a combination of a peak amplitude threshold X and a defined time window T can be implemented.

[0270] refer to Figure 11-12 In some designs, the value of N, the value of any of the various thresholds, and / or the reported peak-varying information can be incorporated into the location estimation factors via the use of machine learning (ML). In this case, instead of pre-configuration or dynamic configuration, the values ​​and / or algorithms can be determined more dynamically, allowing optimization based on various criteria such as environmental factors, specific gNB configurations (e.g., location, downtilt angle, hardware group delay, or antenna-to-baseband delay), and specific UE configurations (e.g., model type, hardware group delay, or antenna-to-baseband delay).

[0271] In the detailed description above, it can be seen that different features are grouped together in the examples. This manner of disclosure should not be construed as an intention to have more features than those explicitly mentioned in each clause. Rather, aspects of this disclosure may include fewer features than those of the individual example clauses disclosed. Therefore, the appended clauses should thus be considered as incorporated into this description, where each clause may be a separate example. Although each dependent clause may refer in its respective clause to a specific combination with one of the other clauses, the aspects of that dependent clause are not limited to that specific combination. It will be appreciated that other example clauses may also include combinations of aspects of the dependent clause with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent clause, or any feature combined with other dependent and independent clauses. The aspects disclosed herein expressly include these combinations unless explicitly stated or readily inferred that a particular combination is not intended (e.g., contradictory aspects, such as defining an element as both an insulator and a conductor). Furthermore, it is intended that aspects of a clause may be included in any other independent clause, even if that clause is not directly subordinate to that independent clause.

[0272] Examples of implementations are described in the following numbered clauses.

[0273] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different techniques and skills. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0274] Clause 1. A method of operating a first node, comprising: performing a channel response measurement on a reference signal for positioning; determining peak-variable information for each of a plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-variable information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and reporting the peak-variable information to a second node.

[0275] Clause 2. The method of Clause 1, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, information varying from peak to peak further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0276] Clause 3. The method of any of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and wherein, for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying from peak to peak further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0277] Clause 4. The method of any of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first node corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) and the second node corresponds to a Base Station (BS) or Location Management Function (LMF).

[0278] Clause 5. The method of any of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the second node corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) or Location Management Function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to a Base Station (BS).

[0279] Clause 6. The method of any of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the number of the plurality of peaks is configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Component based on UE capability indications.

[0280] Clause 7. The method of any of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below a peak amplitude threshold relative to a reference value.

[0281] Clause 8. The method of Clause 7, wherein the peak amplitude threshold and / or reference value are configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Component based on UE capability indications.

[0282] Clause 9. The method of any of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

[0283] Clause 10. As in Clause 9, where the defined time window is configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Component based on UE capability indications.

[0284] Clause 11. The method as described in Clause 10, wherein the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0285] Clause 12. The method of Clause 11, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0286] Clause 13. The method of any of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying by peak further includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0287] Clause 14. The method of Clause 13, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0288] Clause 15. The method of any of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the respective peak.

[0289] Clause 16. A method of operating a second node, comprising: receiving from a first node peak-varying information associated with a plurality of peaks within a channel response measurement of a reference signal for positioning, the peak-varying information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and determining a positioning estimate for a user equipment (UE) based on the peak-varying information.

[0290] Clause 17. The method of Clause 16, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and wherein, for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, information varying from peak to peak further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0291] Clause 18. The method of any of Clauses 16 to 17, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and wherein, for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying from peak to peak further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0292] Clause 19. The method of any of Clauses 16 to 18, wherein the first node corresponds to the UE and the second node corresponds to the base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0293] Clause 20. The method of any of Clauses 16 to 19, wherein the second node corresponds to the UE or location management function (LMF) and the first node corresponds to the base station (BS).

[0294] Clause 21. The method of any of Clauses 16 to 20, wherein the number of the plurality of peaks is configured by the UE, base station (BS) or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0295] Clause 22. The method of any of Clauses 16 to 21, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below a peak amplitude threshold relative to a reference value.

[0296] Clause 23. The method of Clause 22, wherein the peak amplitude threshold and / or reference value are configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0297] Clause 24. The method of any of Clauses 16 to 23, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

[0298] Clause 25. As in Clause 24, where the defined time window is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0299] Clause 26. The method of any of Clauses 24 to 25, wherein the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0300] Clause 27. The method of any of Clauses 24 to 26, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0301] Clause 28. The method of any of Clauses 16 to 27, wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying by peak further includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0302] Clause 29. The method of Clause 28, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0303] Clause 30. The method of any of Clauses 16 to 29, wherein the peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the respective peak.

[0304] Clause 31. A first node comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: perform a channel response measurement on a reference signal for positioning; determine peak-varying information for each of a plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and report the peak-varying information to a second node.

[0305] Clause 32. As in the first node of Clause 31, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, information varying from peak to peak further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0306] Clause 33. The first node of any of Clauses 31 to 32, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and wherein, for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying from peak to peak further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0307] Clause 34. The first node of any of Clauses 31 to 33, wherein the first node corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) and the second node corresponds to a Base Station (BS) or Location Management Function (LMF).

[0308] Clause 35. The first node of any of Clauses 31 to 34, wherein the second node corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) or Location Management Function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to a Base Station (BS).

[0309] Clause 36. The first node of any of Clauses 31 to 35, wherein the number of the plurality of peaks is configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Component based on UE capability indications.

[0310] Clause 37. As in the first node of any of Clauses 31 to 36, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0311] Clause 38. As in the first node of Clause 37, where the peak amplitude threshold and / or reference value are configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Component based on UE capability indications.

[0312] Clause 39. The first node of any of Clauses 31 to 38, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

[0313] Clause 40. As in the first node of Clause 39, the time window defined therein is configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Component based on UE capability indications.

[0314] Clause 41. As in the first node of Clause 40, the time window defined therein is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0315] Clause 42. As in the first node of Clause 41, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0316] Clause 43. The first node of any of Clauses 31 to 42, wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying by peak further includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0317] Clause 44. As in the first node of Clause 43, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the radio node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0318] Clause 45. The first node of any of Clauses 31 to 44, wherein the peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the respective peak.

[0319] Clause 46. A second node comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: receive, via the at least one transceiver, peak-varying information from a first node associated with a plurality of peaks in a channel response measurement to a reference signal for positioning, the peak-varying information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and determine a positioning estimate for a user equipment (UE) based on the peak-varying information.

[0320] Clause 47. As in the second node of Clause 46, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying from peak to peak further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0321] Clause 48. A second node as in any of Clauses 46 to 47, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and wherein, for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying by peak further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0322] Clause 49. A second node as in any of Clauses 46 to 48, wherein the first node corresponds to the UE and the second node corresponds to the base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0323] Clause 50. A second node as in any of Clauses 46 to 49, wherein the second node corresponds to a UE or location management function (LMF) and the first node corresponds to a base station (BS).

[0324] Clause 51. A second node of any of Clauses 46 to 49, wherein the number of such multiple peaks is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0325] Clause 52. As in the second node of any of Clauses 46 to 51, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0326] Clause 53. As in the second node of Clause 52, where the peak amplitude threshold and / or reference value are configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0327] Clause 54. A second node of any of Clauses 46 to 53, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

[0328] Clause 55. As in the second node of Clause 54, the time window defined therein is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0329] Clause 56. As in the second node of any of Clauses 54 to 55, wherein the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0330] Clause 57. A second node as in any of Clauses 54 to 56, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0331] Clause 58. A second node as in any of Clauses 46 to 57, wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying by peak further includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0332] Clause 59. As in the second node of Clause 58, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the radio node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0333] Clause 60. A second node of any of Clauses 46 to 59, wherein the peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak.

[0334] Clause 61. A first node comprising: means for performing a channel response measurement on a reference signal for positioning; means for determining peak-variable information for each of a plurality of peaks detected in the channel response measurement, the peak-variable information comprising at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and means for reporting the peak-variable information to a second node.

[0335] Clause 62. As in the first node of Clause 61, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, information varying from peak to peak further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0336] Clause 63. The first node of any of Clauses 61 to 62, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and wherein, for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying from peak to peak further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0337] Clause 64. The first node of any of Clauses 61 to 63, wherein the first node corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) and the second node corresponds to a Base Station (BS) or Location Management Function (LMF).

[0338] Clause 65. The first node of any of Clauses 61 to 64, wherein the second node corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) or Location Management Function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to a Base Station (BS).

[0339] Clause 66. The first node of any of Clauses 61 to 65, wherein the number of the plurality of peaks is configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Component based on UE capability indications.

[0340] Clause 67. As in the first node of any of Clauses 61 to 66, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0341] Clause 68. As in the first node of Clause 67, where the peak amplitude threshold and / or reference value are configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Component based on UE capability indications.

[0342] Clause 69. The first node of any of Clauses 61 to 68, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

[0343] Clause 70. As in the first node of Clause 69, the time window defined therein is configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Component based on UE capability indications.

[0344] Clause 71. As in the first node of Clause 70, the time window defined therein is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0345] Clause 72. As in the first node of Clause 71, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0346] Clause 73. The first node of any of Clauses 61 to 72, wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying by peak further includes means for peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0347] Clause 74. As in the first node of Clause 73, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0348] Clause 75. The first node of any of Clauses 61 to 74, wherein the peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak.

[0349] Clause 76. A second node comprising: means for receiving from a first node peak-varying information associated with a plurality of peaks within a channel response measurement of a reference signal for positioning, the peak-varying information comprising at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and means for determining a positioning estimate for a user equipment (UE) based on the peak-varying information.

[0350] Clause 77. As in the second node of Clause 76, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and wherein, for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, information varying by peak further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0351] Clause 78. A second node as in any of Clauses 76 to 77, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and wherein, for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying by peak further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0352] Clause 79. A second node as in any of Clauses 76 to 78, wherein the first node corresponds to the UE and the second node corresponds to the base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0353] Clause 80. A second node as in any of Clauses 76 to 79, wherein the second node corresponds to a UE or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to a base station (BS).

[0354] Clause 81. A second node of any of Clauses 76 to 80, wherein the number of such multiple peaks is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0355] Clause 82. As in the second node of any of Clauses 76 to 81, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

[0356] Clause 83. As in the second node of Clause 82, wherein the peak amplitude threshold and / or reference value are configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0357] Clause 84. As in the second node of any of Clauses 76 to 83, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

[0358] Clause 85. As in the second node of Clause 84, the time window defined therein is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0359] Clause 86. As in the second node of any of Clauses 84 to 85, wherein the time window defined is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0360] Clause 87. A second node as in any of Clauses 84 to 86, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0361] Clause 88. A second node of any of Clauses 76 to 87, wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the information varying by peak further includes means for peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0362] Clause 89. As in the second node of Clause 88, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0363] Clause 90. As in the second node of any of Clauses 76 to 89, wherein the peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak.

[0364] Clause 91. A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a first node, cause the first node to: perform a channel response measurement on a reference signal for positioning; determine peak-variable information for each of a plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-variable information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and report the peak-variable information to a second node.

[0365] Clause 92. A non-transient computer-readable medium as described in Clause 91, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and wherein, for each of a plurality of peaks detected within a channel response measurement, information varying from peak to peak further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0366] Clause 93. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 91 to 92, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and wherein, for each of a plurality of peaks detected within a channel response measurement, information varying from peak to peak further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0367] Clause 94. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 91 to 93, wherein the first node corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) and the second node corresponds to a Base Station (BS) or Location Management Function (LMF).

[0368] Clause 95. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 91 to 94, wherein the second node corresponds to a User Equipment (UE) or Location Management Function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to a Base Station (BS).

[0369] Clause 96. Non-transient computer-readable media such as any of Clauses 91 to 95, wherein the number of the plurality of peaks is configured by a User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network component based on UE capability indications.

[0370] Clause 97. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 91 to 96, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below a peak amplitude threshold relative to a reference value.

[0371] Clause 98. Non-transient computer-readable media as described in Clause 97, wherein the peak amplitude threshold and / or reference value are configured by the user equipment (UE), base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0372] Clause 99. Non-transient computer-readable media such as those in any of Clauses 91 to 98, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

[0373] Clause 100. Non-transient computer-readable media as described in Clause 99, wherein the time window defined therein is configured by the User Equipment (UE), Base Station (BS), or Core Network Component based on UE capability indications.

[0374] Clause 101. Non-transient computer-readable media as described in Clause 100, wherein the time window defined is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0375] Clause 102. A non-transient computer-readable medium as described in Clause 101, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of a wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from a serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0376] Clause 103. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 91 to 102, wherein for each of a plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, information varying by peak further includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0377] Clause 104. A non-transient computer-readable medium as described in Clause 103, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of a wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from a serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0378] Clause 105. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 91 to 104, wherein the peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the respective peak.

[0379] Clause 106. A non-transient computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a second node, cause the second node to: receive from a first node peak-varying information associated with a plurality of peaks within a channel response measurement to a reference signal for positioning, the peak-varying information including at least peak amplitude data based on peak amplitudes relative to a reference value; and determine a positioning estimate for a user equipment (UE) based on the peak-varying information.

[0380] Clause 107. A non-transient computer-readable medium as described in Clause 106, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and wherein, for each of a plurality of peaks detected within a channel response measurement, information varying from peak to peak further includes the associated departure angle from the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0381] Clause 108. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 106 to 107, wherein the reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and wherein, for each of a plurality of peaks detected within a channel response measurement, information varying from peak to peak further includes the angle of arrival at the base station (BS) associated with that peak.

[0382] Clause 109. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 106 to 108, wherein the first node corresponds to the UE and the second node corresponds to a base station (BS) or location management function (LMF).

[0383] Clause 110. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 106 to 109, wherein the second node corresponds to a UE or a location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to a base station (BS).

[0384] Clause 111. Non-transient computer-readable media as described in any of Clauses 106 to 110, wherein the number of the plurality of peaks is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0385] Clause 112. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 106 to 111, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below a peak amplitude threshold relative to a reference value.

[0386] Clause 113. Non-transient computer-readable media as described in Clause 112, wherein the peak amplitude threshold and / or reference value are configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0387] Clause 114. Non-transient computer-readable media such as any of Clauses 106 to 113, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

[0388] Clause 115. Non-transient computer-readable media as described in Clause 114, wherein the time window defined therein is configured by the UE, base station (BS), or core network component based on UE capability indications.

[0389] Clause 116. Non-transient computer-readable media such as those in Clauses 114 to 115, wherein the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

[0390] Clause 117. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 114 to 116, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of a wireless node from which a reference signal for positioning is transmitted, the estimated TOA from a serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0391] Clause 118. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 106 to 117, wherein for each of a plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, information varying by peak further includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

[0392] Clause 119. A non-transient computer-readable medium as described in Clause 118, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of a wireless node from which it transmits a reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from a serving base station (BS), or a combination thereof.

[0393] Clause 120. A non-transient computer-readable medium such as any of Clauses 106 to 119, wherein the peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the respective peak.

[0394] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described above in a generalized manner in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0395] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternatives, it may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors cooperating with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0396] The methods, sequences, and / or algorithms described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of both. The software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor such that the processor can read and write information from / to the storage medium. In an alternative, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal (e.g., a UE). In an alternative, the processor and storage medium may reside as discrete components in the user terminal.

[0397] In one or more exemplary aspects, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on or through a computer-readable medium. A computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one location to another. A storage medium may be any available medium accessible to a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible to a computer. Any connection is also legitimately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then such coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of a medium. As used in this article, disk and disc include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital multi-purpose discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs. Disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of these should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0398] Although the foregoing disclosure illustrates illustrative aspects of this disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The functions, steps, and / or actions in the method claims according to the aspects of this disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although elements of this disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, pluralism is also contemplated unless explicitly stated to be limited to the singular.

Claims

1. A method for operating a first node, comprising: Perform channel response measurements on the reference signal used for positioning; For each of the multiple peaks detected within the channel response measurement, peak-specific information is determined, including at least angle information and peak amplitude data based on the peak amplitude relative to a reference value. The angle information includes either a departure angle associated with the peak and originating from the network component, or an arrival angle associated with the peak and arriving at the network component. Report the information about the multiple peaks that varies with the peak value to the second node.

2. The method as described in claim 1, The reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and For each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes the departure angle.

3. The method as described in claim 1, The reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and For each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes the angle of arrival.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first node corresponds to a user equipment (UE) and the second node corresponds to the network component or location management function (LMF).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second node corresponds to a user equipment (UE) or a location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the network component.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of the plurality of peaks is configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the peak amplitude threshold and / or the reference value are configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of peaks are peaks excluded from the defined time window.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the defined time window is configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits the reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving network component, or a combination thereof.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected in the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits the reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving network component, or a combination thereof.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak.

16. A method for operating a second node, comprising: Receive from the first node peak-dependent information associated with multiple peaks within a channel response measurement of a reference signal used for positioning, the peak-dependent information including at least angle information and peak amplitude data based on the peak amplitude relative to a reference value, the angle information including a departure angle associated with the peak and originating from the network component, or an arrival angle associated with the peak and arriving at the network component; and The location estimate for the user equipment (UE) is determined based on the information that varies due to peak values.

17. The method of claim 16, The reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and For each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes the departure angle.

18. The method of claim 16, The reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and For each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes the angle of arrival.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the first node corresponds to the UE, and the second node corresponds to the network component or location management function (LMF).

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the second node corresponds to the UE or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the network component.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein the number of the plurality of peaks is configured by the UE, the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the peak amplitude threshold and / or the reference value are configured by the UE, the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the defined time window is configured by the UE, the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits the reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving network component, or a combination thereof.

28. The method of claim 16, wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected in the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits the reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving network component, or a combination thereof.

30. The method of claim 16, wherein the peak amplitude data includes reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak.

31. A first node, comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: Perform channel response measurements on the reference signal used for positioning; For each of the multiple peaks detected within the channel response measurement, peak-specific information is determined, including at least angle information and peak amplitude data based on the peak amplitude relative to a reference value. The angle information includes either a departure angle associated with the peak and originating from the network component, or an arrival angle associated with the peak and arriving at the network component. Report the information about the multiple peaks that varies with the peak value to the second node.

32. The first node as described in claim 31, The reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and For each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes the departure angle.

33. The first node as described in claim 31, The reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and For each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes the angle of arrival.

34. The first node as claimed in claim 31, wherein the first node corresponds to a user equipment (UE), and the second node corresponds to the network component or location management function (LMF).

35. The first node of claim 31, wherein the second node corresponds to a user equipment (UE) or a location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the network component.

36. The first node of claim 31, wherein the number of the plurality of peaks is configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

37. The first node of claim 31, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

38. The first node of claim 37, wherein the peak amplitude threshold and / or the reference value are configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

39. The first node as claimed in claim 31, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

40. The first node as claimed in claim 39, wherein the defined time window is configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

41. The first node as claimed in claim 40, wherein the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

42. The first node of claim 41, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits the reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving network component, or a combination thereof.

43. The first node of claim 31, wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

44. The first node of claim 43, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits the reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving network component, or a combination thereof.

45. The first node of claim 31, wherein the peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak.

46. ​​A first node, comprising: A device for performing channel response measurements on a reference signal used for positioning; A means for determining peak-variable information for each of a plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-variable information comprising at least angle information and peak amplitude data based on the peak amplitude relative to a reference value, the angle information including a departure angle associated with the peak and originating from the network component, or an arrival angle associated with the peak and arriving at the network component; and A means for reporting information about the varying peak values ​​to a second node.

47. The first node as described in claim 46, The reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and For each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes the departure angle.

48. The first node as described in claim 46, The reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and For each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes the angle of arrival.

49. The first node as claimed in claim 46, wherein the first node corresponds to a user equipment (UE), and the second node corresponds to the network component or location management function (LMF).

50. The first node of claim 46, wherein the second node corresponds to a user equipment (UE) or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the network component.

51. The first node as claimed in claim 46, wherein the number of the plurality of peaks is configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

52. The first node of claim 46, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below the peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

53. The first node as claimed in claim 52, wherein the peak amplitude threshold and / or the reference value are configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

54. The first node as claimed in claim 46, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

55. The first node as claimed in claim 54, wherein the defined time window is configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

56. The first node as claimed in claim 55, wherein the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

57. The first node of claim 56, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node transmitting the reference signal for positioning therefrom, the estimated TOA from the serving network component, or a combination thereof.

58. The first node of claim 46, wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes means for peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

59. The first node of claim 58, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node transmitting the reference signal for positioning therefrom, the estimated TOA from the serving network component, or a combination thereof.

60. The first node of claim 46, wherein the peak amplitude data includes the reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak.

61. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, said computer-executable instructions causing the first node, when executed by a first node, to: Perform channel response measurements on the reference signal used for positioning; For each of the multiple peaks detected within the channel response measurement, peak-specific information is determined, including at least angle information and peak amplitude data based on the peak amplitude relative to a reference value. The angle information includes either a departure angle associated with the peak and originating from the network component, or an arrival angle associated with the peak and arriving at the network component. Report the information about the multiple peaks that varies with the peak value to the second node.

62. The non-transient computer-readable medium as claimed in claim 61, The reference signal used for positioning is a downlink reference signal, and For each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes the departure angle.

63. The non-transient computer-readable medium as described in claim 61, The reference signal used for positioning is an uplink reference signal, and For each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes the angle of arrival.

64. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 61, wherein the first node corresponds to a user equipment (UE) and the second node corresponds to the network component or location management function (LMF).

65. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 61, wherein the second node corresponds to a user equipment (UE) or location management function (LMF), and the first node corresponds to the network component.

66. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 61, wherein the number of the plurality of peaks is configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

67. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 61, wherein the plurality of peaks excludes peaks associated with corresponding peak amplitudes that are below a peak amplitude threshold relative to the reference value.

68. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 67, wherein the peak amplitude threshold and / or the reference value are configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

69. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 61, wherein the plurality of peaks are excluded from the defined time window.

70. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 69, wherein the defined time window is configured by the user equipment (UE), the network component, or the core network component based on UE capability indications.

71. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 70, wherein the defined time window is defined relative to a reference timing.

72. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 71, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits the reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving network component, or a combination thereof.

73. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 61, wherein for each of the plurality of peaks detected within the channel response measurement, the peak-varying information further includes peak timing data based on peak timing relative to a reference timing.

74. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 73, wherein the reference timing corresponds to the estimated time of arrival (TOA) of the wireless node from which it transmits the reference signal for positioning, the estimated TOA from the serving network component, or a combination thereof.

75. The non-transient computer-readable medium of claim 61, wherein the peak amplitude data includes reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the corresponding peak.

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