Positioning reference signal processing method, terminal and network side device

Abstract

The application discloses a positioning reference signal processing method, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The positioning reference signal processing method comprises the following steps: a first terminal acquires a candidate position of a positioning reference signal (PRS); and a first operation is performed according to the candidate position. The first operation comprises at least one of the following: detecting whether the PRS exists; and measuring and / or processing the PRS.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, specifically relating to a positioning reference signal processing method, a terminal, and a network-side device. Background Technology

[0002] In future communication systems, unlicensed bands can supplement licensed bands to help operators expand service capacity. To align with New Radio (NR) deployments and maximize NR-based unlicensed access, unlicensed bands can operate in the 5GHz, 37GHz, and 60GHz bands. The large bandwidth (80 or 100MHz) of unlicensed bands reduces the implementation complexity of base stations and user equipment (UE). Because unlicensed bands are shared by various Radio Access Technologies (RATs), such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), radar, and Long Term Evolution Licensed Assisted Access (LTE-LAA), in some countries or regions, the use of unlicensed bands must comply with regulations to ensure fair use of the resources by all devices. These regulations may include rules such as Listen Before Talk (LBT) and Maximum Channel Occupancy Time (MCOT). When a transmission node needs to send information, it first performs a Level Bypass (LBT) test, which involves power detection (ED) of surrounding nodes. If the detected power is below a certain threshold, the channel is considered idle, and the transmission node can transmit. Conversely, if the detected power is above a certain threshold, the channel is considered busy, and the transmission node cannot transmit. Transmission nodes can be base stations, UEs, WiFi access points (APs), etc. After a transmission node begins transmission, the channel time occupied (COT) cannot exceed the channel time MCOT.

[0003] Commonly used LBT (Low-Level Detection) types (categories) can be divided into category 1, category 2, and category 4. Category 1 LBT means the transmitting node does not perform LBT, i.e., no LBT or immediate transmission. Category 2 LBT is a one-shot LBT, meaning the transmitting node performs an LBT before transmission; if the channel is empty, transmission proceeds; if the channel is busy, transmission does not occur. Category 4 LBT is a back-off channel sensing mechanism; when the transmitting node detects that the channel is busy, it backs off and continues listening until the channel is empty. For base stations, category 2 LBT is used for Discovery Reference Signal (DRS) without Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), and category 4 LBT is used for PDSCH / Downlink Control Information (DCI) / extended DCI (eDCI). For the UE, category 4 LBT corresponds to the type 1 uplink channel access procedure (UL channel access procedure), and category 2 LBT corresponds to the type 2 UL channel access procedure. Additionally, in the New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) system, a new category 2 LBT has been added, corresponding to a 16µs interval gap.

[0004] Utilizing carrier waves in unlicensed frequency bands to transmit positioning reference signals can further improve positioning accuracy. The transmission of positioning reference signals (PRS) in unlicensed frequency bands is primarily affected by level-to-level (LBT) transmission; for example, a base station can only send a PRS after the LBT is successful. Therefore, it is necessary to consider how to improve the transmission efficiency of positioning reference signals in unlicensed frequency bands. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a positioning reference signal processing method, a terminal, and a network-side device, which can solve the problem of how to improve the transmission efficiency of positioning reference signals in unlicensed frequency bands.

[0006] Firstly, a method for processing a positioning reference signal is provided, the method comprising:

[0007] The first terminal acquires the candidate position of the positioning reference signal (PRS);

[0008] Based on the candidate positions, perform the first operation;

[0009] The first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0010] Detect the presence of PRS;

[0011] Measure and / or process the PRS.

[0012] Secondly, a positioning reference signal processing method is provided, the method comprising:

[0013] The second network device performs listen-before-speak LBT based on the candidate location information of the Position Reference Signal (PRS), or sends the PRS after the LBT is successful.

[0014] Thirdly, a positioning reference signal processing method is provided, the method comprising:

[0015] The second terminal performs listen-before-speak LBT based on the candidate location information of the positioning reference signal PRS, or sends the PRS after the LBT is successful.

[0016] Fourthly, a positioning reference signal processing method is provided, the method comprising:

[0017] The first network device sends the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) to other second network devices participating in the positioning process.

[0018] Fifthly, a positioning reference signal processing apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0019] The first acquisition unit is used to acquire candidate positions of the positioning reference signal PRS;

[0020] The first processing unit is configured to perform a first operation based on the candidate position;

[0021] The first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0022] Detect the presence of PRS;

[0023] Measure and / or process the PRS.

[0024] Sixthly, a positioning reference signal processing apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0025] The third processing unit is used to perform listen-before-speak LBT based on the candidate position information of the positioning reference signal PRS, or to send the PRS after the LBT is successful.

[0026] In a seventh aspect, a positioning reference signal processing apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0027] The fifth processing unit is used to perform listen-before-speak LBT based on the candidate position information of the positioning reference signal PRS, or to send the PRS after the LBT is successful.

[0028] Eighthly, a positioning reference signal processing apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0029] The fourth transmitting unit is used to transmit the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) to other second network devices participating in the positioning process.

[0030] A ninth aspect provides a terminal including a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the first or third aspect.

[0031] In a tenth aspect, a terminal is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to acquire candidate positions of a positioning reference signal (PRS); and perform a first operation based on the candidate positions; wherein the first operation includes at least one of the following: detecting whether the PRS exists; and measuring and / or processing the PRS. Alternatively, the processor is configured to perform listen-before-speak (LBT) based on the candidate position information of the positioning reference signal (PRS), or to send the PRS after successful LBT.

[0032] Eleventhly, a network-side device is provided, the network-side device including a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the second or fourth aspect.

[0033] In a twelfth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to perform listen-before-speak (LBT) based on candidate location information of a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), or to send the PRS after successful LBT. Alternatively, the communication interface is configured to send the candidate location information of the PRS to other second network devices participating in the positioning process.

[0034] In a thirteenth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the first aspect, or the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the second aspect, or the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the third aspect, or the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0035] In a fourteenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run a program or instructions to implement the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the first aspect, or the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the second aspect, or the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the third aspect, or the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0036] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, the computer program / program product being stored in a non-transient storage medium, the program / program product being executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the first aspect, or the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the second aspect, or the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the third aspect, or the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0037] In this embodiment, the terminal obtains the candidate position of the positioning reference signal (PRS), then detects whether the PRS exists based on the candidate position, and further measures and / or processes the PRS. By increasing the transmission opportunities of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band, the success rate of the terminal receiving the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band is improved, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 One of the flowcharts of the positioning reference signal processing method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the repetition of PRS as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 A second schematic flowchart illustrating the positioning reference signal processing method provided in this application embodiment;

[0042] Figure 5The third schematic flowchart of the positioning reference signal processing method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 6 The fourth flowchart illustrates the positioning reference signal processing method provided in this application embodiment;

[0044] Figure 7 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the positioning reference signal processing device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a second schematic diagram of the positioning reference signal processing device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 9 This is the third schematic diagram of the positioning reference signal processing device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 10 Schematic diagram four of the positioning reference signal processing device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal to implement an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 13 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the network-side device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 14 This is a second schematic diagram of the network-side device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0053] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, not limited in number; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0054] It is worth noting that the technologies described in this application are not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in this application are often used interchangeably, and the described technologies can be used with the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as with other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes New Radio (NR) systems for illustrative purposes, and the term NR is used in most of the following description; however, these technologies can also be applied to applications other than NR systems, such as 6th generation (6G) radio systems. th Generation 6G communication system.

[0055] Figure 1This diagram illustrates a structural diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11, an access network device 12, and a core network device 13. The terminal 11 can also be referred to as a terminal device or user equipment (UE). The terminal 11 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld computer, netbook, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), mobile internet device (MID), wearable device, vehicle-mounted device (VUE), pedestrian terminal (PUE), etc. Wearable devices include: smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart chains, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, game consoles, etc. It should be noted that the specific type of terminal 11 is not limited in this embodiment. Access network device 12 can also be called radio access network device or radio access network (RAN). Access network device 12 can be a base station. The base station can be called a node B, evolved node B, access point, base transceiver station (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, basic service set (BSS), extended service set (ESS), B node, evolved B node (eNB), home B node, home evolved B node, WLAN access point, WiFi node, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), or any other suitable term in the field, as long as the same technical effect is achieved. The base station is not limited to specific technical terms. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, only the base station in the NR system is used as an example, but the specific type of base station is not limited.The core network device 13 can also be referred to as the core network (CN) or 5G core (5GC) network. The core network device 13 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Application Function (AF), location server, etc. It should be noted that this embodiment only uses a core network device in a 5G system as an example, but it is not limited to this.

[0056] The transmission of Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) in unlicensed bands is primarily affected by LBT (Local Bit Transmission). For example, a gNB (gNB) can only transmit a PRS after a successful LBT. Therefore, to improve the probability of successful PRS transmission during positioning, it may be necessary to introduce the concept of candidate PRS locations. That is, transmitting a PRS from multiple candidate locations ensures that even if some candidate locations cannot transmit a PRS due to LBT failure, the remaining candidate locations will still have the opportunity to transmit a PRS.

[0057] Furthermore, considering that PRS transmission in sidelink positioning occurs in unlicensed frequency bands, while PRS control can be performed in licensed frequency bands, it is also possible to consider indicating PRS transmission in unlicensed frequency bands within licensed frequency bands, further enhancing the system's flexibility and integrity.

[0058] The positioning reference signal processing method provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0059] Figure 2 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the positioning reference signal processing method provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0060] Step 200: The first terminal acquires the candidate positions of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS).

[0061] Step 201: Perform the first operation based on the candidate positions;

[0062] The first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0063] Detect the presence of PRS;

[0064] Measure and / or process the PRS.

[0065] Among them, the positioning reference signal PRS is not limited to the PRS of Uu or the PRS of the sidelink.

[0066] In this application, the positioning reference signal PRS is a reference signal used for positioning. Here, PRS can also be replaced with other positioning reference signals, including but not limited to Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Synchronization Signal and PBCH Block (SSB), Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), and Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) at least one of these. It is worth noting that this application only uses PRS as an example to illustrate the processing method of the positioning reference signal. Other positioning reference signals can also be implemented in the same way, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0067] NR has redesigned the downlink positioning reference signal NR DL PRS based on the NR system.

[0068] PRS supports transmission up to 100 MHz in frequency range 1 (FR1) and up to 400 MHz in frequency range 2 (FR2). The NR PRS bandwidth configuration is independent of the Bandwidth Part (BWP) configuration. When the PRS bandwidth is greater than the BWP bandwidth, the UE can use the Measurement Gap to measure the PRS.

[0069] PRS supports beamforming, thus introducing the concept of PRS resource. A PRS resource ID can correspond to one beam within a TRP. One or more PRS resources can form a PRS resource set, or a PRS resource set can contain one or more PRS resources. A TRP can contain one or more PRS resources. Furthermore, to improve UE audibility, PRS beam scanning and PRS beam repetition are supported. Additionally, the PRS Reference Neighbor Signal (RS) is supported as a quasi-collocation (QCL) reference signal.

[0070] PRS supports interleaved patterns and flexible pattern configuration. The comb structure of a PRS resource can support {2, 4, 6, 12}; the number of symbols can support at least {2, 4, 6, 12}. Currently supported combinations of symbol numbers and comb sizes are shown in Table 1.

[0071] Table 1. Number of symbols and comb size

[0072] 2 symbols 4 symbols 6 symbols 12 symbols Comb-2 {0,1} {0,1,0,1} {0,1,0,1,0,1} {0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1} Comb-4 NA {0,2,1,3} NA {0,2,1,3,0,2,1,3,0,2,1,3}} Comb-6 NA NA {0,3,1,4,2,5} {0,3,1,4,2,5,0,3,1,4,2,5} Comb-12 NA NA NA {0,6,3,9,1,7,4,10,2,8,5,11}

[0073] To reduce inter-cell interference, muting-related technologies in LTE have been expanded.

[0074] Candidate positions, also known as candidate windows, include time-domain and / or frequency-domain candidate positions.

[0075] Understandably, the first terminal detects the existence of the PRS based on the candidate location of the PRS, and further measures and / or processes the PRS to increase the chances of successful transmission of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0076] The candidate position represents a transmission opportunity for the PRS. The candidate position indicates a possible transmission location for the PRS.

[0077] Each candidate location represents one (time-continuous) opportunity for the transmission of a positioning reference signal, and there may be a transmission of the positioning reference signal.

[0078] Optionally, the candidate location information is configured by the network device, pre-configured by the network device, configured by the second terminal, or pre-defined by the protocol.

[0079] For example, it can be obtained through configuration using the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) or resource pool configuration in a sidelink. The network device can be a first network device (location server) or a second network device (base station).

[0080] Optionally, the second terminal is another UE in the sidelink, or an RSU, or a control node in the sidelink.

[0081] Optionally, detecting the presence of PRS means detecting PRS at candidate locations.

[0082] Optionally, after detecting the PRS, the first terminal measures and / or processes the PRS. Processing the PRS may involve first caching it and then performing time-domain or frequency-domain calculations. Alternatively, it may involve both caching and processing simultaneously, or direct processing.

[0083] Optionally, the candidate location may be characterized by at least one of the following:

[0084] The number of candidate positions, wherein the number of candidate positions can be one or more;

[0085] Candidate positions can be periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic.

[0086] The configuration unit for candidate locations includes configuring them as a unit, such as the positioning frequency layer, the transmitting and receiving point, the positioning reference signal resource set, the positioning reference signal resource, the terminal, or the terminal group.

[0087] Candidate location identifier;

[0088] Candidate location timestamp;

[0089] Maximum number of reserve units.

[0090] Optionally, if the candidate position is periodic or semi-continuous, the candidate position period is the same as the PRS period; there are one or more candidate positions within one period.

[0091] Optionally, candidate locations can be configured per positioning frequency layer, per transmit / receive point (TRP), per positioning reference signal resource set (PRS resource set), per PRS resource, or per UE or UE group. Each candidate location is associated with a corresponding identifier, such as at least one of the following: frequency layer ID, TRP ID, PRS resource set ID, PRS resource ID, UE ID, or UE group ID. Optionally, these identifiers can be included in the candidate location configuration.

[0092] Optionally, for example, the candidate location identifiers in a period range from 0 to N-1, where N is the number of candidate locations in a period, and the candidate location identifiers can be included in the candidate location configuration.

[0093] Optionally, the time corresponding to the candidate location timestamp is the index corresponding to the earliest, latest, middle, or any subframe, slot, or symbol of the candidate location. For example, when the UE indicates information associated with a candidate location, it will carry the candidate location's timestamp. The timestamp is determined according to the above method.

[0094] In this embodiment, the terminal obtains the candidate position of the positioning reference signal (PRS), then detects whether the PRS exists based on the candidate position, and further measures and / or processes the PRS. By increasing the transmission opportunities of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band, the success rate of the terminal receiving the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band is improved, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0095] Optionally, the first terminal acquires candidate locations of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), including:

[0096] Obtain the association between PRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; or,

[0097] Obtain configuration information for candidate locations, which is used to indicate the candidate locations.

[0098] In some optional embodiments, the first terminal obtains the candidate position based on the association between PRS repetition and the candidate position.

[0099] Optionally, the association between the PRS repetitions and the candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N PRS repetitions, the number of PRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is... in, This indicates rounding up.

[0100] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of PRS repetition provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0101] Optionally, if N is a divisor of the number of PRS repetitions M, then the number of candidate positions is M / N.

[0102] Wherein, the number of PRS repetitions N corresponding to each candidate position represents the number of times the PRS is repeated during actual PRS transmission.

[0103] Optionally, the PRS repetition count is indicated by the network device, and the PRS repetition count corresponding to each candidate location or the number of candidate locations is indicated by the network device. Optionally, the network can indicate the PRS repetition count, indicating the PRS repetition count corresponding to each candidate location, thereby calculating the number of candidate locations; the network can also indicate the PRS repetition count, indicating the number of candidate locations, thereby calculating the PRS repetition count contained in each candidate location. Optionally, the PRS repetition configuration is included in the configuration of the PRS resource set, TRP, UE, or UE group, and the PRS repetition configuration is the same for all PRS resources in the PRS resource set, TRP, UE, or UE group. Here, PRS repetition can be a repetition of PRS resources, or a repetition of all the above-mentioned resources.

[0104] Optionally, in unlicensed frequency bands, the UE should assume that the number of PRS repetitions is the sum of the number of PRS repetitions at all candidate locations.

[0105] Optionally, the above assumption holds true when parameters related to candidate positions are configured (such as the number of PRS repetitions per candidate position, or the number of candidate positions).

[0106] Alternatively, the above assumption can be enabled by introducing a specific parameter (such as a 1-bit indicator).

[0107] Optionally, the starting point of each candidate location is the same as the starting point of the PRS (the first PRS resource or PRSresource set) in the candidate location.

[0108] Optionally, the gap for PRS repetition is 1.

[0109] Optionally, the gap between adjacent candidate positions is equal to the gap of PRS repetition.

[0110] Optionally, adjacent candidate locations are temporally continuous.

[0111] Optionally, the period of the PRS candidate positions is the same as the PRS period.

[0112] Optionally, each candidate location contains all PRS resources within the group. A group includes a TRP, a UE, or a set of PRS resources.

[0113] Optionally, the number of candidate positions can be the number of candidate positions in a periodic / semi-persistent PRS transmission within one period, or the total number of candidate positions in an aperiodic PRS transmission.

[0114] In some optional embodiments, the first terminal obtains the candidate location based on the configuration information of the candidate location.

[0115] Optionally, the configuration information of the candidate locations includes at least one of the following:

[0116] Number of candidate positions;

[0117] The gap between adjacent candidate positions;

[0118] Candidate location identifier.

[0119] Optionally, each candidate location includes all PRS resources(s) within the group, as well as duplicate PRS resources. A group comprises a TRP, a UE, or a set of PRS resources.

[0120] Optionally, the PRS distribution is consistent across all candidate positions. For example, for candidate position 1 and candidate position 2, the position of each PRS in candidate position 1 relative to the starting point of candidate position 1 is consistent with the position of each PRS in candidate position 2 relative to the starting point of candidate position 2.

[0121] Optionally, the first terminal should assume that the PRS location configured by the network device is the PRS location of the first candidate location.

[0122] Optionally, the starting point of each candidate location is the same as the starting point of the PRS (the first PRS resource or PRSresource set) in the candidate location.

[0123] Optionally, the configuration information of the candidate locations includes at least one of the following:

[0124] The number of candidate positions;

[0125] Start time of candidate positions (start time of the first PRS candidate position);

[0126] Duration of each candidate position;

[0127] The gap between adjacent candidate positions;

[0128] The configuration information of PRS in each candidate location (i.e., the candidate location contains PRS configuration);

[0129] Candidate location identifier;

[0130] Candidate position cycle.

[0131] The start time of the candidate location includes at least one of the following:

[0132] System Frame Number Index (SFN Index);

[0133] Slot index;

[0134] symbol index;

[0135] The offset of the neighboring cell's SFN0 relative to the serving cell's (or PRS reference cell's) SFN0;

[0136] The expected reference signal time difference and uncertainty.

[0137] The parameters associated with the above candidate location start time are used by the UE to determine the starting position of the candidate location of the serving cell or neighboring cells.

[0138] Optionally, each candidate location contains a specific PRS resource and / or duplicate PRS resources. For example, a PRS candidate location contains a certain PRS resource and / or duplicates of a certain PRS resource; or a PRS candidate location contains certain PRS resources and / or duplicates of these PRS resources.

[0139] Optionally, the configuration information of the PRS in each candidate location includes at least one of the following:

[0140] The offset of a PRS resource or PRS resource set relative to the start time of a candidate location;

[0141] The number of PRS resources in each candidate location;

[0142] The gap between PRS resources;

[0143] PRS repetition count;

[0144] Repeat the gap between PRS;

[0145] The number of symbols occupied by PRS resources;

[0146] The number of combos for PRS resources;

[0147] The identifiers (resource set ID and / or resource ID) corresponding to PRS resources and / or PRS resource sets.

[0148] Optionally, adjacent candidate locations are temporally continuous.

[0149] Optionally, the number of candidate positions can be the number of candidate positions in a periodic / semi-persistent PRS transmission within one period, or the total number of candidate positions in an aperiodic PRS transmission.

[0150] This application provides a specific method for a terminal to obtain candidate locations of a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS). By increasing the transmission opportunities of the PRS in the unlicensed frequency band, the success rate of the terminal receiving the PRS in the unlicensed frequency band is improved, thereby effectively improving the transmission efficiency of the PRS in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0151] Optionally, the measurement and / or processing of PRS includes:

[0152] Measure and / or process the PRS based on the beam scan pattern of the PRS in the candidate locations;

[0153] The beam scanning pattern is related to a first parameter, which includes at least one of the following parameters:

[0154] PRS resource count (number of PRS resources in candidate locations);

[0155] PRS repetition count (number of repetitions in candidate positions);

[0156] Time-frequency pattern of each PRS resource;

[0157] The number of symbols used per PRS resource;

[0158] PRS repeating gap;

[0159] Duration of candidate position;

[0160] Gap between PRS resources.

[0161] Optionally, the scanning method corresponding to the beam scan pattern can be either scan-then-repeat or repeat-then-scan. For example, PRS resources 0, 1, 2, and 3 represent different beam directions; the number of repetitions for the PRS resources is 2. Scan-then-repeat means sending in the order 0, 1, 2, 3; repeat-then-scan means sending in the order 0, 0, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3. The scanning method is agreed upon by the protocol or instructed by the network.

[0162] Optionally, the identifier or index of the PRS resource (PRS resource ID / index) corresponds to the PRS resource at the target (fixed) position in the beam scan pattern; optionally, the index of repeated PRS resources (combined with the identifier / index of the PRS resource) corresponds to the PRS resource that repeats at a fixed position.

[0163] Optionally, the beam scanning pattern is determined according to at least one of the following:

[0164] The first parameter;

[0165] The agreement stipulates;

[0166] Network device indication.

[0167] For example, based on the first parameter mentioned above, the protocol specifies a particular beam scanning pattern; or based on the first parameter mentioned above, multiple beam scanning patterns are specified, and the network indicates one of them.

[0168] For example, beam scanning patterns can be obtained from the PRS number, PRS time-frequency pattern, and the gaps where PRS repeats.

[0169] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0170] The first terminal receives the first instruction information;

[0171] The first terminal measures and / or processes the PRS of the candidate location according to the first instruction information;

[0172] The first indication information is used to indicate the PRS transmission and / or processing status of the candidate location;

[0173] The first indication information is an indication from a network device or a second terminal.

[0174] The PRS transmission status at the candidate location refers to whether PRS is transmitted at that candidate location. Optionally, a bit value of '1' represents PRS transmission, indicating that the terminal is transmitting PRS at that candidate location; '0' represents PRS not transmitting, indicating that the terminal is not transmitting PRS at that candidate location.

[0175] The processing status of the candidate position indicates whether the PRS at that candidate position should be processed. Optionally, a bit value of '1' indicates that the PRS should be processed, that is, the terminal should process the PRS at that candidate position; '0' indicates that the PRS should not be transmitted, that is, the terminal should not process the PRS at that candidate position (or the PRS should not be transmitted).

[0176] In one implementation, the UE caches candidate locations for a certain time period and processes the PRS of the corresponding candidate locations according to the first indication information.

[0177] Optionally, the first indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0178] PRS transmission and / or processing status for X candidate locations;

[0179] The Transmit / Receive Point Identifier (TRP ID) associated with the candidate location.

[0180] It is understandable that the first indication information indicates the PRS transmission and / or processing status of X candidate locations, and includes two aspects: on the one hand, it indicates the PRS transmission and / or processing status of the candidate locations, and on the other hand, it indicates which candidate locations the indication applies to.

[0181] Optionally, the PRS transmission and / or processing of the X candidate locations includes at least one of the following:

[0182] The PRS transmission and / or processing status of a candidate location following the first indication information;

[0183] The PRS transmission and / or processing status of all candidate positions or candidate positions indicated as DL and / or flexilble symbols within the duration of multiple or all candidate positions or Channel Occupancy Time (COT) after the first indication information;

[0184] The transmission and / or processing status of PRS resources in the candidate locations;

[0185] The transmission and / or processing of PRS duplicates in the candidate locations;

[0186] Wherein, X is predefined by the protocol, configured by the network device or the second terminal, or indicated by the first indication information.

[0187] Optionally, the PRS transmission status of candidate positions can be indicated by the bitmap. Each bit in the bitmap represents a candidate position; a bit value of '1' indicates transmission, and '0' indicates no transmission.

[0188] Optionally, the PRS transmission and / or processing information may also include an indication of the transmission and / or processing of PRS resources or PRS duplicates in candidate locations. For example, which / some PRS resources or PRS duplicates were transmitted and / or processed in one or more candidate locations.

[0189] Optionally, receiving the first indication information includes one of the following:

[0190] Receive the first indication information in front of each candidate position;

[0191] The first indication information is received in front of multiple candidate positions in each cycle;

[0192] After caching the PRS of multiple candidate positions, the first indication information is received;

[0193] Receive the first indication information in the authorized frequency band;

[0194] The first instruction information is received and carried in the payload after the successful Listen-Before-Speak LBT.

[0195] In one implementation, the first indication information is transmitted in the licensed band in the sidelink, and the SL-PRS is transmitted / received in the unlicensed band.

[0196] Optionally, the first indication information is a network device indication, including at least one of the following indications:

[0197] Radio Resource Control (RRC) message;

[0198] Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE);

[0199] Downlink Control Information (DCI);

[0200] LTE Location Protocol (LPP) messages;

[0201] Broadcast message.

[0202] Optionally, the first indication information is a second terminal indication, including:

[0203] The first indication information is given by the second terminal through at least one of the following indications:

[0204] First-level side link control information (SCI);

[0205] Second-level side link control information (SCI);

[0206] PC5-RRC.

[0207] Optionally, the effective range of the first indication information is within the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) duration.

[0208] Furthermore, the scope of the first indication information is indicated as downlink (DL) and / or flexible symbols within the COT duration.

[0209] Optionally, the first indication information is included in the COT indication.

[0210] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0211] The PRS of the candidate locations is processed according to the COT instructions.

[0212] That is, if the COT duration indicated by COT includes PRS for one or more candidate locations, the UE should assume that the PRS for one or more candidate locations is available and process the corresponding PRS.

[0213] Furthermore, if the DL and / or flexible symbol indicated within the COT duration contains a PRS for a candidate location, the UE should assume that the PRS for that candidate location is available and process the corresponding PRS.

[0214] Optionally, the behavior corresponding to the PRS transmitter (such as a second network device or a second terminal) is as follows: the PRS transmitter performs LBT before the candidate position, and if it detects that it is busy, it performs LBT before the next candidate position; until the LBT detects that it is idle, it occupies the channel time of COT duration, and transmits PRS at the PRS candidate position during this time or transmits PRS at the candidate position corresponding to DL and / or flexible symbols during this time.

[0215] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0216] The PRS of the candidate positions is processed according to the SFI instructions.

[0217] That is, if the PRS of a candidate location indicated by the SFI is DL and / or flexible, the UE should assume that the PRS of that candidate location is available and process the corresponding PRS. Optionally, the SFI indication is made via DCI 2-0.

[0218] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal receives and / or processes the PRS of the candidate location by receiving the transmission and / or processing status indication of the candidate location, thereby improving the success rate of the terminal receiving the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band and thus effectively improving the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0219] Optionally, detecting the presence of PRS includes:

[0220] Blind detection of PRS is performed at the candidate locations.

[0221] Optionally, if no candidate location PRS transmission indication (such as the first indication information) is received, the UE performs blind detection of the PRS at the candidate location.

[0222] Optionally, after the PRS is successfully received or (blindly) detected for the first time, the following steps are also included:

[0223] Based on network device indications, second terminal indications, protocol predefined criteria, or first terminal selection, receive or process PRS for subsequent candidate locations; or...

[0224] According to the second indication information, the PRS of subsequent candidate locations is received or processed, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the transmission and / or processing status of the PRS of subsequent candidate locations.

[0225] That is, after the first terminal successfully receives the PRS for the first time at a certain candidate location, it receives or processes the PRS of subsequent candidate locations according to network instructions, second terminal instructions, protocol agreements, or selection by the first terminal.

[0226] Optionally, the network device indication, the second terminal indication, the protocol predefined, or the content selected by the first terminal includes at least one of the following:

[0227] PRS for subsequent candidate positions will not be received or processed.

[0228] Receive or process PRS for subsequent candidate positions;

[0229] The maximum and / or minimum number of times to continue receiving or processing candidate location PRS;

[0230] The number of times that candidate location PRS needs to be received or processed.

[0231] In some optional embodiments, the network indicates / second terminal indicates / protocol agrees / UE selects: at a certain PRS candidate location, when the UE detects a PRS for the first time, the UE does not expect to receive or process PRS at subsequent candidate locations; or, at a certain PRS candidate location, when the UE detects a PRS for the first time, the UE wants to receive or process PRS at subsequent candidate locations.

[0232] In some optional embodiments, the network indicates / second terminal indicates / protocol agrees / UE selects: after successfully detecting the PRS of the first candidate location, the UE receives or processes the candidate location PRS a maximum and / or a minimum number of times, or needs to receive or process the candidate location PRS a maximum or minimum number of times. Based on this number indication, the UE receives or processes the candidate location PRS.

[0233] Optionally, if the number of candidate positions to be received is higher than the number of remaining candidate positions, the first terminal needs to receive the PRS of all remaining candidate positions.

[0234] Optionally, the network indicator here can be a pre-configured indicator.

[0235] In some optional embodiments, the first terminal receives or processes the PRS of subsequent candidate locations according to the second instruction information.

[0236] Optionally, the second indication information indicates the transmission and / or processing of subsequent candidate position PRS in the form of a bitmap.

[0237] Optionally, the second indication information is carried by the network device in the authorized frequency band indication or in the payload after LBT success.

[0238] Optionally, the second indication information is effective within the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) duration.

[0239] Furthermore, the effective range of the second indication information is indicated as downlink (DL) and / or flexible symbols within the COT duration.

[0240] Optionally, the second indication information is included in the COT indication.

[0241] Indicating PRS transmission in unlicensed frequency bands within licensed frequency bands can further enhance the flexibility and integrity of the system.

[0242] Optionally, the first terminal reports the candidate location information of the actually received PRS to the network device.

[0243] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal receives and / or processes the PRS of subsequent candidate locations according to the transmission and / or processing status of subsequent candidate locations, which improves the success rate of the terminal receiving the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band, thereby effectively improving the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0244] Optionally, after measuring the PRS, the method further includes:

[0245] The measurement results are reported to the network device, and the measurement results include the candidate location information of the PRS actually received by the first terminal.

[0246] Optionally, the candidate location information of the PRS actually received by the first terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: candidate location identifier, candidate location timestamp, sender-receiver point identifier (TRP ID), and PRS resource and / or resource set identifier associated with the candidate location.

[0247] Optionally, before processing the PRS, the method further includes:

[0248] Cache the PRS for all candidate positions.

[0249] That is, before the first terminal processes the PRS, it buffers the PRS at all PRS candidate positions and then processes them.

[0250] The embodiments of this application can effectively improve the transmission efficiency of positioning reference signals in unlicensed frequency bands, which helps to improve positioning efficiency.

[0251] Figure 4 This is a second flowchart illustrating the positioning reference signal processing method provided in this application embodiment. The execution subject of this method is a second network device, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0252] Step 400: The second network device performs Listen-Before-Speak (LBT) based on the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), or sends the PRS after the LBT is successful.

[0253] Optionally, the second network device is a serving base station and / or a neighboring cell base station.

[0254] Optionally, the candidate location information of the positioning reference signal can be determined in one of the following ways:

[0255] Candidate location information is pre-configured or pre-defined;

[0256] The second network device determines the candidate location information and sends the candidate location information to the first network device, which then configures it to the first terminal.

[0257] The first network device determines multiple sets of candidate location information and sends them to the second network device. The second network device determines specific candidate location information and sends it back to the first network device, which then sends the candidate location information to the first terminal.

[0258] Optionally, the second network device performs a listen-before-speak (LBT) operation before the candidate location based on the candidate location information from the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS). If the channel is detected to be empty, i.e., the LBT is successful, the positioning reference signal is transmitted at the corresponding candidate location.

[0259] Optionally, the second network device performs Listen-Before-Speak (LBT) based on the candidate location information of the Position Reference Signal (PRS), and sends the PRS after the LBT is successful.

[0260] In this embodiment of the application, the second network device performs Listen-Before-Speak (LBT) based on the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), or sends the PRS after the LBT is successful. By increasing the transmission opportunities of the unlicensed frequency band positioning reference signal, the success rate of the unlicensed frequency band terminal receiving the positioning reference signal can be improved, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the unlicensed frequency band positioning reference signal.

[0261] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0262] In unlicensed frequency bands, after a successful LBT, the candidate location information of the actual transmitted PRS is reported to the first network device and / or other second network devices involved in the positioning.

[0263] Optionally, other second network devices participating in the positioning process are neighboring cell base stations.

[0264] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0265] After successfully sending the PRS for the first candidate position, send or do not send the PRS for the remaining candidate positions.

[0266] Optionally, after successfully sending the PRS for the first candidate location, the remaining candidate locations may or may not be sent according to the instructions and / or protocol of the first network device.

[0267] Figure 5 This is the third flowchart illustrating the positioning reference signal processing method provided in this application embodiment. The execution subject of this method is a second terminal, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0268] Step 500: The second terminal performs Listen-Before-Speak LBT based on the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), or sends the PRS after the LBT is successful.

[0269] Optionally, the second terminal can be another UE in the sidelink, or an RSU, or a control node in the sidelink.

[0270] Alternatively, candidate location information can be determined in the following ways:

[0271] The second terminal has been determined;

[0272] Alternatively, the candidate positions can be pre-configured or pre-defined;

[0273] Alternatively, based on pre-configuration or pre-definition (pre-defined candidate location resource pool), the second terminal selects a specific candidate location configuration; optionally, the candidate location information is sent to the first network device (location server);

[0274] Alternatively, the location server determines candidate location information and sends the candidate location information to the second terminal.

[0275] In this embodiment of the application, the second terminal performs Listen-Before-Speak (LBT) based on the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), or sends the PRS after the LBT is successful. By increasing the transmission opportunities of the unlicensed frequency band positioning reference signal, the transmission efficiency of the unlicensed frequency band positioning reference signal in the sidelink scenario is improved.

[0276] Optionally, in unlicensed frequency bands, after a successful LBT, the method further includes:

[0277] The candidate location information of the PRS actually sent is reported to the first network device and / or other base stations involved in the positioning.

[0278] Optionally, after successfully sending the PRS for the first candidate location, the method further includes:

[0279] According to the instructions and / or protocol of the first or second network device, send or do not send the PRS for the remaining candidate locations.

[0280] Figure 6 This is the fourth flowchart illustrating the positioning reference signal processing method provided in this application embodiment. The execution subject of this method is a first network device, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0281] Step 600: The first network device sends the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) to other second network devices participating in the positioning process.

[0282] Optionally, the first network device is a location server.

[0283] The location server can be a Location Management Function (LMF) network element, an Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center (E-SMLC), or other servers with location calculation capabilities.

[0284] Optionally, other second network devices involved in positioning may be serving base stations and / or neighboring cell base stations.

[0285] In this embodiment of the application, the first network device sends the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) to other second network devices participating in the positioning process. By sending the candidate location information of the PRS, the transmission opportunities of the unlicensed frequency band positioning reference signal are increased, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the unlicensed frequency band positioning reference signal.

[0286] Optionally, it also includes:

[0287] The first network device receives the candidate location information of the PRS actually sent reported by the second network device or the second terminal, and forwards the candidate location information of the PRS actually sent to other second network devices participating in the positioning.

[0288] Optionally, it also includes:

[0289] The first network device sends PRS configuration information to other second network devices participating in positioning, so as to help the other second network devices participating in positioning eliminate the interference of PRS of the second network devices participating in positioning in neighboring cells during LBT;

[0290] The PRS configuration information includes at least one of the following: candidate location information of PRS, PRS sequence, and PRS mapping.

[0291] It should be noted that the positioning reference signal processing method provided in this application embodiment can be executed by a positioning reference signal processing device, or by a control module within the positioning reference signal processing device for executing the positioning reference signal processing method. This application embodiment uses the execution of the positioning reference signal processing method by a positioning reference signal processing device as an example to illustrate the positioning reference signal processing device provided in this application embodiment.

[0292] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a positioning reference signal processing method, including:

[0293] The terminal acquires candidate locations of reference signals used for positioning;

[0294] Listen to the candidate locations and obtain the listening results;

[0295] Based on the listening results, the reference signal is transmitted.

[0296] Here, the reference signals used for positioning include, but are not limited to: sounding reference signal (SRS), other signals that can be used for uplink positioning, etc.

[0297] For ease of description, the SRS example is used below to further illustrate the solution of this application. The SRS in the following solution can be replaced with other signals used for uplink positioning.

[0298] Optionally, the step of the terminal acquiring candidate locations of the reference signal for positioning can be implemented in, but is not limited to, the following ways:

[0299] Obtain the association between SRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; or,

[0300] Obtain configuration information for candidate locations, which is used to indicate the candidate locations.

[0301] Optionally, the association between the SRS repetitions and the candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N SRS repetitions, the number of SRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is...

[0302] Optionally, the configuration information of the candidate locations includes at least one of the following:

[0303] Number of candidate positions;

[0304] The gap between adjacent candidate positions;

[0305] Candidate location identifier.

[0306] Optionally, each candidate position contains all SRS resources within the group as well as duplicate SRS resources; the SRS distribution in each candidate position is consistent.

[0307] One of the groups includes a terminal, or an SRS resource set.

[0308] Optionally, the SRS distribution is consistent across all candidate positions. For example, for candidate position 1 and candidate position 2, the position of each SRS in candidate position 1 relative to the starting point of candidate position 1 is consistent with the position of each SRS in candidate position 2 relative to the starting point of candidate position 2.

[0309] Optionally, the first terminal should assume that the SRS location configured by the network device is the SRS location of the first candidate location.

[0310] Optionally, the starting point of each candidate location is the same as the starting point of the SRS (the first SRS resource or SRS resource set) in the candidate location.

[0311] Optionally, the configuration information of the candidate locations includes at least one of the following:

[0312] The number of candidate positions;

[0313] The start time of the candidate position;

[0314] Duration of each candidate position;

[0315] The gap between adjacent candidate positions;

[0316] Configuration information of SRS in each candidate location;

[0317] Candidate location identifier;

[0318] Candidate position cycle.

[0319] Optionally, each of the candidate locations includes a specific SRS resource and / or duplicate SRS resources.

[0320] Optionally, the SRS distribution is consistent across all candidate locations.

[0321] The start time of the candidate location includes at least one of the following:

[0322] System Frame Number Index (SFN Index);

[0323] Slot index;

[0324] Symbol index.

[0325] Optionally, the configuration information of the SRS in each candidate location includes at least one of the following:

[0326] The offset of the SRS resource or SRS resource set relative to the start time of the candidate location;

[0327] The number of SRS resources in each candidate location;

[0328] gaps between SRS resources;

[0329] Number of SRS repetitions;

[0330] Repeat the gap between SRS;

[0331] The identifier corresponding to the SRS resource and / or SRS resource set;

[0332] The number of symbols in an SRS resource;

[0333] SRS resource comb structure.

[0334] SRS candidate locations can be configured by the serving base station.

[0335] SRS candidate location information can be sent from the serving base station to the location server, and then from the location server to the neighboring base stations participating in the positioning.

[0336] Optionally, when receiving SRS, neighboring base stations can perform blind detection at SRS candidate locations.

[0337] Optionally, the transmission of SRS includes:

[0338] SRS is transmitted based on the beam scan pattern of SRS in the candidate locations;

[0339] The beam scanning pattern is related to a second parameter, which includes at least one of the following parameters:

[0340] SRS resource count (number of SRS resources in candidate locations);

[0341] SRS repetition count (number of repetitions at candidate positions);

[0342] Time-frequency pattern of each SRS resource;

[0343] The number of symbols used per SRS resource;

[0344] SRS repeating gap;

[0345] Duration of candidate position;

[0346] Gap between SRS resources.

[0347] Optionally, the scanning method corresponding to the beam scan pattern can be either scan-then-repeat or repeat-then-scan. For example, SRS resources 0, 1, 2, and 3 represent different beam directions; the number of repetitions of the SRS resources is 2. Scan-then-repeat means sending in the order 0, 1, 2, 3; repeat-then-scan means sending in the order 0, 0, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3. The scanning method is agreed upon by the protocol or instructed by the network.

[0348] Optionally, the identifier or index of the SRS resource (SRS resource ID / index) corresponds to the target location in the beam scan pattern.

[0349] Optionally, the beam scanning pattern is determined according to at least one of the following:

[0350] The second parameter;

[0351] The agreement stipulates;

[0352] Network device indication.

[0353] For example, based on the second parameter mentioned above, the protocol specifies a particular beam scanning pattern; or based on the second parameter mentioned above, multiple beam scanning patterns are specified, and the network indicates one of them.

[0354] For example, beam scanning patterns can be obtained from the SRS number, SRS time-frequency pattern, and SRS repeating gaps.

[0355] Optionally, the steps of listening to the candidate positions, obtaining listening results, and sending the reference signal based on the listening results include, but are not limited to, the following listening methods:

[0356] Method 1: Listen for each candidate location. If the channel is found to be empty, send the reference signal at the corresponding candidate location.

[0357] Method 2: Listen to the candidate positions in sequence. If the channel is busy, listen to the next candidate position. If the channel is empty, send the reference signal at the candidate position where the channel is empty and at subsequent candidate positions.

[0358] Method 3: Listen to the candidate positions in sequence. If the channel is busy, listen to the next candidate position. If the channel is empty, send a reference signal to the candidate position within the channel occupancy time (COT).

[0359] Optionally, the length of COT can be 1ms.

[0360] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0361] In unlicensed frequency bands, the candidate location information of the SRS actually transmitted is reported to the first network device and / or other second network devices involved in positioning.

[0362] Optionally, the candidate location information of the SRS actually sent includes at least one of the following: candidate location identifier, candidate location timestamp, and SRS resource and / or resource set identifier associated with the candidate location.

[0363] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0364] After successfully sending the SRS for the first candidate position, send or do not send the PRS for the remaining candidate positions.

[0365] The positioning reference signal processing method provided in this application embodiment involves a terminal acquiring candidate positions of a reference signal used for positioning, listening to the candidate positions to obtain listening results, and sending the reference signal based on the listening results. By increasing the transmission opportunities of the reference signal used for positioning in the unlicensed frequency band, the success rate of the terminal sending the reference signal for positioning in the unlicensed frequency band is improved, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band and helping to improve positioning efficiency.

[0366] Figure 7 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the positioning reference signal processing device provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the positioning reference signal processing device 700 includes: a first acquisition unit 710 and a first processing unit 720, wherein,

[0367] The first acquisition unit 710 is used to acquire candidate positions of the positioning reference signal PRS;

[0368] The first processing unit 720 is configured to perform a first operation based on the candidate position;

[0369] The first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0370] Detect the presence of PRS;

[0371] Measure and / or process the PRS.

[0372] In this embodiment, the terminal obtains the candidate position of the positioning reference signal (PRS), then detects whether the PRS exists based on the candidate position, and further measures and / or processes the PRS. By increasing the transmission opportunities of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band, the success rate of the terminal receiving the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band is improved, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0373] Optionally, the first acquisition unit 710 is configured to:

[0374] Obtain the association between PRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; or,

[0375] Obtain configuration information for candidate locations, which is used to indicate the candidate locations.

[0376] Optionally, the association between the PRS repetitions and the candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N PRS repetitions, the number of PRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is...

[0377] Optionally, the configuration information of the candidate locations includes at least one of the following:

[0378] Number of candidate positions;

[0379] The gap between adjacent candidate positions;

[0380] Candidate location identifier.

[0381] Optionally, each candidate location contains all PRS resources within the group as well as duplicate PRS resources; the PRS distribution in each candidate location is consistent.

[0382] One of the groups includes a Transmit / Receive Point (TRP), a terminal, or a PRS resource set.

[0383] Optionally, the configuration information of the candidate locations includes at least one of the following:

[0384] The number of candidate positions;

[0385] The start time of the candidate position;

[0386] Duration of each candidate position;

[0387] The gap between adjacent candidate positions;

[0388] Configuration information of PRS in each candidate location;

[0389] Candidate location identifier;

[0390] Candidate position cycle.

[0391] Optionally, each candidate location may contain specific PRS resources and / or duplicate PRS resources.

[0392] Optionally, the configuration information of the PRS in each candidate location includes at least one of the following:

[0393] The offset of the PRS resource or PRS resource set relative to the candidate location start time;

[0394] The number of PRS resources in each candidate location;

[0395] gaps between PRS resources;

[0396] PRS repetition count;

[0397] Repeat the gap between PRS;

[0398] The number of symbols occupied by PRS resources;

[0399] The number of combos for PRS resources;

[0400] The identifier corresponding to PRS resources and / or PRS resource sets.

[0401] This application provides a specific method for obtaining candidate locations of positioning reference signals (PRS). By increasing the transmission opportunities of positioning reference signals in unlicensed frequency bands, the success rate of receiving positioning reference signals by terminals in unlicensed frequency bands is improved, thereby effectively improving the transmission efficiency of positioning reference signals in unlicensed frequency bands.

[0402] Optionally, the measurement and / or processing of PRS includes:

[0403] Measure and / or process the PRS based on the beam scan pattern of the PRS in the candidate locations;

[0404] The beam scanning pattern is related to a first parameter, which includes at least one of the following parameters:

[0405] PRS resource count;

[0406] PRS repetition count;

[0407] Time-frequency pattern of each PRS resource;

[0408] The number of symbols used per PRS resource;

[0409] PRS repeating gap;

[0410] Duration of candidate position;

[0411] Gap between PRS resources.

[0412] Optionally, the scanning method corresponding to the beam scanning pattern is either scanning first and then repeating, or repeating first and then scanning, and the scanning method is agreed upon by the protocol or instructed by the network.

[0413] Optionally, the identifier or index of the PRS resource corresponds to the target location in the beam scan pattern.

[0414] Optionally, the beam scanning pattern is determined according to at least one of the following:

[0415] The first parameter;

[0416] The agreement stipulates;

[0417] Network device indication.

[0418] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0419] The first receiving unit is used to receive the first instruction information;

[0420] The second receiving unit is configured to measure and / or process the PRS of the candidate location according to the first indication information;

[0421] The first indication information is used to indicate the PRS transmission and / or processing status of the candidate location;

[0422] The first indication information is an indication from a network device or a second terminal.

[0423] Optionally, the first indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0424] PRS transmission and / or processing status for X candidate locations;

[0425] The Transmit / Receive Point Identifier (TRP ID) associated with the candidate location.

[0426] Optionally, the PRS transmission and / or processing of the X candidate locations includes at least one of the following:

[0427] The PRS transmission and / or processing status of a candidate location following the first indication information;

[0428] The PRS transmission and / or processing status of all candidate positions or candidate positions indicated as DL and / or flexilble symbols within the COT duration or within the COT duration following the first indication information;

[0429] The transmission and / or processing status of PRS resources in the candidate locations;

[0430] The transmission and / or processing of PRS duplicates in the candidate locations;

[0431] Wherein, X is predefined by the protocol, configured by the network device or the second terminal, or indicated by the first indication information.

[0432] Optionally, receiving the first indication information includes one of the following:

[0433] Receive the first indication information in front of each candidate position;

[0434] The first indication information is received in front of multiple candidate positions in each cycle;

[0435] After caching the PRS of multiple candidate positions, the first indication information is received;

[0436] Receive the first indication information in the authorized frequency band;

[0437] The first instruction information is received and carried in the payload after the successful Listen-Before-Speak LBT.

[0438] Optionally, the scope of the first indication information is within the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) Duration.

[0439] In the embodiments of this application, by receiving the transmission and / or processing status indication of the candidate location, and receiving and / or processing the PRS of the candidate location, the success rate of the unlicensed frequency band terminal receiving the positioning reference signal is improved, thereby effectively improving the transmission efficiency of the unlicensed frequency band positioning reference signal.

[0440] Optionally, detecting the presence of PRS includes:

[0441] Blind detection of PRS is performed at the candidate locations.

[0442] Optionally, the device further includes a second processing unit, the second processing unit being configured to: upon first successful reception or detection of a PRS,

[0443] Based on network device indications, second terminal indications, protocol predefined criteria, or first terminal selection, receive or process PRS for subsequent candidate locations; or...

[0444] According to the second indication information, the PRS of subsequent candidate locations is received or processed, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the transmission and / or processing status of the PRS of subsequent candidate locations.

[0445] Optionally, the network device indication, the second terminal indication, the protocol predefined, or the content selected by the first terminal includes at least one of the following:

[0446] PRS for subsequent candidate positions will not be accepted;

[0447] Receive PRS for subsequent candidate positions;

[0448] The maximum and / or minimum number of times to continue receiving candidate location PRS;

[0449] The number of times PRS for candidate positions needs to be received.

[0450] Optionally, the second indication information indicates the transmission and / or processing of subsequent candidate position PRS in the form of a bitmap.

[0451] Optionally, the second indication information is indicated by the network device.

[0452] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal receives and / or processes the PRS of subsequent candidate locations according to the transmission and / or processing status of subsequent candidate locations, which improves the success rate of the terminal receiving the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band, thereby effectively improving the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0453] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0454] The first transmitting unit is used to report the measurement results to the network device, and the measurement results include the candidate location information of the PRS actually received by the first terminal.

[0455] Optionally, the candidate location information of the PRS actually received by the first terminal includes at least one of the following: candidate location identifier, candidate location timestamp, sender-receiver point identifier (TRP ID), and PRS resource and / or resource set identifier associated with the candidate location.

[0456] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0457] The first cache unit is used to cache the PRS for all candidate positions.

[0458] The embodiments of this application can effectively improve the transmission efficiency of positioning reference signals in unlicensed frequency bands.

[0459] The positioning reference signal processing device in this application embodiment can be a device, a device or electronic device with an operating system, or a component, integrated circuit, or chip in a terminal. The device or electronic device can be a mobile terminal or a non-mobile terminal. For example, a mobile terminal can include, but is not limited to, the types of terminals 11 listed above, while a non-mobile terminal can be a server, network attached storage (NAS), personal computer (PC), television (TV), ATM, or self-service machine, etc. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the type of terminal.

[0460] The positioning reference signal processing device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figures 2 to 3 The various processes implemented in the method embodiments achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0461] Figure 8 This is a second schematic diagram of the positioning reference signal processing device provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the positioning reference signal processing device 800 includes:

[0462] The third processing unit 810 is used to perform listen-before-speak LBT based on the candidate position information of the positioning reference signal PRS, or to send the PRS after the LBT is successful.

[0463] In the embodiments of this application, based on the candidate location information of the positioning reference signal (PRS), a listen-before-speak (LBT) is performed, or the PRS is sent after the LBT is successful. By increasing the transmission opportunities of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band, the success rate of the unlicensed frequency band terminal receiving the positioning reference signal can be improved, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0464] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0465] The second transmitting unit is used to report the candidate location information of the actually transmitted PRS to the first network device and / or other second network devices participating in the positioning after the LBT is successful in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0466] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0467] The fourth processing unit is used to send or not send the PRS for the remaining candidate positions after successfully sending the PRS for the first candidate position.

[0468] The positioning reference signal processing device in this application embodiment can be a device, a device or electronic device with an operating system, or a component, integrated circuit, or chip in a terminal. The device or electronic device can be a mobile terminal or a non-mobile terminal. For example, a mobile terminal can include, but is not limited to, the types of terminals 11 listed above, while a non-mobile terminal can be a server, network attached storage (NAS), personal computer (PC), television (TV), ATM, or self-service machine, etc. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the type of terminal.

[0469] The positioning reference signal processing device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figure 4 The various processes implemented in the method embodiments achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0470] Figure 9 This is the third schematic diagram of the positioning reference signal processing device provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the positioning reference signal processing device 900 includes:

[0471] The fifth processing unit 910 is used to perform listen-before-speak LBT based on the candidate position information of the positioning reference signal PRS, or to send the PRS after the LBT is successful.

[0472] In the embodiments of this application, LBT is performed based on the candidate location information of the positioning reference signal PRS, or the PRS is sent after the LBT is successful. By increasing the transmission opportunities of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band, the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band in the sidelink scenario is improved.

[0473] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0474] The third transmitting unit is used to report the candidate location information of the actually transmitted PRS to the first network device and / or other base stations participating in the positioning after the LBT is successful in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0475] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0476] The sixth processing unit is used to send or not send the PRS for the remaining candidate positions after successfully sending the PRS for the first candidate position.

[0477] The positioning reference signal processing device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figure 5 The various processes implemented in the method embodiments achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0478] Figure 10 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the positioning reference signal processing device provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, the positioning reference signal processing device 1000 includes:

[0479] The fourth transmitting unit 1010 is used to transmit the candidate location information of the positioning reference signal PRS to other second network devices participating in the positioning.

[0480] In this embodiment of the application, the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) is sent to other second network devices participating in the positioning process. By sending the candidate location information of the PRS, the transmission opportunities of the unlicensed frequency band positioning reference signal are increased, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the unlicensed frequency band positioning reference signal.

[0481] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0482] The seventh processing unit is used to receive the candidate location information of the PRS actually sent reported by the second network device or the second terminal, and forward the candidate location information of the PRS actually sent to other second network devices participating in the positioning.

[0483] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0484] The fifth sending unit is used to send PRS configuration information to other second network devices participating in positioning, so as to assist the other second network devices participating in positioning in eliminating interference from the PRS of the second network devices participating in positioning in neighboring cells during LBT;

[0485] The PRS configuration information includes at least one of the following: candidate location information of PRS, PRS sequence, and PRS mapping.

[0486] The positioning reference signal processing device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figure 6 The various processes implemented in the method embodiments achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0487] Optionally, such as Figure 11As shown, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 1100, including a processor 1101, a memory 1102, and a program or instructions stored in the memory 1102 that can run on the processor 1101. For example, when the communication device 1100 is a terminal, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1101 implement the various processes of the above-described positioning reference signal processing method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1100 is a network-side device, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1101 implement the various processes of the above-described positioning reference signal processing method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0488] This application embodiment also provides a terminal, including a processor and a communication interface. The processor is used to acquire candidate positions of a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS); and to perform a first operation based on the candidate positions. The first operation includes at least one of the following: detecting the presence of the PRS; and measuring and / or processing the PRS. This terminal embodiment corresponds to the above-described terminal-side method embodiment. All implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this terminal embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. Specifically, Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal to implement an embodiment of this application.

[0489] The terminal 1200 includes, but is not limited to, at least some of the following components: radio frequency unit 1201, network module 1202, audio output unit 1203, input unit 1204, sensor 1205, display unit 1206, user input unit 1207, interface unit 1208, memory 1209, and processor 1210.

[0490] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terminal 1200 may also include a power supply (such as a battery) for supplying power to various components. The power supply may be logically connected to the processor 1210 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as managing charging, discharging, and power consumption through the power management system. Figure 12 The terminal structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the terminal. The terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0491] It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the input unit 1204 may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) 12041 and a microphone 12042. The GPU 12041 processes image data of still images or videos obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in video capture mode or image capture mode. The display unit 1206 may include a display panel 12061, which may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, or the like. The user input unit 1207 includes a touch panel 12071 and other input devices 12072. The touch panel 12071 is also called a touch screen. The touch panel 12071 may include a touch detection device and a touch controller. Other input devices 12072 may include, but are not limited to, physical keyboards, function keys (such as volume control buttons, power buttons, etc.), trackballs, mice, and joysticks, which will not be described in detail here.

[0492] In this embodiment, the radio frequency unit 1201 receives downlink data from the network-side device and processes it for the processor 1210; additionally, it sends uplink data to the network-side device. Typically, the radio frequency unit 1201 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier, a duplexer, etc.

[0493] The memory 1209 can be used to store software programs or instructions and various data. The memory 1209 may primarily include a program or instruction storage area and a data storage area. The program or instruction storage area may store the operating system, application programs or instructions required for at least one function (such as sound playback, image playback, etc.). Furthermore, the memory 1209 may include high-speed random access memory and non-volatile memory, wherein the non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. For example, at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid-state storage device.

[0494] Processor 1210 may include one or more processing units; optionally, processor 1210 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly handles the operating system, user interface, and applications or instructions, and the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication, such as a baseband processor. It is understood that the aforementioned modem processor may also not be integrated into processor 1210.

[0495] The processor 1210 is used for:

[0496] Obtain candidate positions of the positioning reference signal (PRS);

[0497] Based on the candidate positions, perform the first operation;

[0498] The first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0499] Detect the presence of PRS;

[0500] Measure and / or process the PRS.

[0501] In this embodiment, the terminal obtains the candidate position of the positioning reference signal (PRS), then detects whether the PRS exists based on the candidate position, and further measures and / or processes the PRS. By increasing the transmission opportunities of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band, the success rate of the terminal receiving the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band is improved, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0502] Optionally, obtaining the candidate location of the positioning reference signal PRS includes:

[0503] Obtain the association between PRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; or,

[0504] Obtain configuration information for candidate locations, which is used to indicate the candidate locations.

[0505] Optionally, the association between the PRS repetitions and the candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N PRS repetitions, the number of PRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is...

[0506] Optionally, the configuration information of the candidate locations includes at least one of the following:

[0507] Number of candidate positions;

[0508] The gap between adjacent candidate positions;

[0509] Candidate location identifier.

[0510] Optionally, each candidate location contains all PRS resources within the group as well as duplicate PRS resources; the PRS distribution in each candidate location is consistent.

[0511] One of the groups includes a TRP, a UE, or a PRS resource set.

[0512] Optionally, the configuration information of the candidate locations includes at least one of the following:

[0513] The number of candidate positions;

[0514] The start time of the candidate position;

[0515] Duration of each candidate position;

[0516] The gap between adjacent candidate positions;

[0517] Configuration information of PRS in each candidate location;

[0518] Candidate location identifier;

[0519] Candidate position cycle.

[0520] Optionally, each candidate location may contain specific PRS resources and / or duplicate PRS resources.

[0521] Optionally, the configuration information of the PRS in each candidate location includes at least one of the following:

[0522] The offset of the PRS resource or PRS resource set relative to the candidate location start time;

[0523] The number of PRS resources in each candidate location;

[0524] gaps between PRS resources;

[0525] PRS repetition count;

[0526] The gap between repeating PRS;

[0527] The number of symbols occupied by PRS resources;

[0528] The number of combos for PRS resources;

[0529] The identifier corresponding to PRS resources and / or PRS resource sets.

[0530] This application provides a specific method for a terminal to obtain candidate locations of a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS). By increasing the transmission opportunities of the PRS in the unlicensed frequency band, the success rate of the terminal receiving the PRS in the unlicensed frequency band is improved, thereby effectively improving the transmission efficiency of the PRS in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0531] Optionally, the measurement and / or processing of PRS includes:

[0532] Measure and / or process the PRS based on the beam scan pattern of the PRS in the candidate locations;

[0533] The beam scanning pattern is related to a first parameter, which includes at least one of the following parameters:

[0534] PRS resource count;

[0535] PRS repetition count;

[0536] Time-frequency pattern of each PRS resource;

[0537] The number of symbols used per PRS resource;

[0538] PRS repeating gap;

[0539] Duration of candidate position;

[0540] Gap between PRS resources.

[0541] Optionally, the scanning method corresponding to the beam scanning pattern is either scanning first and then repeating, or repeating first and then scanning, and the scanning method is agreed upon by the protocol or instructed by the network.

[0542] Optionally, the identifier or index of the PRS resource corresponds to the target location in the beam scan pattern.

[0543] Optionally, the beam scanning pattern is determined according to at least one of the following:

[0544] The first parameter;

[0545] The agreement stipulates;

[0546] Network device indication.

[0547] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 1201 is used for:

[0548] Receive the first instruction message;

[0549] Based on the first indication information, measure and / or process the PRS of the candidate location;

[0550] The first indication information is used to indicate the PRS transmission and / or processing status of the candidate location;

[0551] The first indication information is an indication from a network device or a second terminal.

[0552] Optionally, the first indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0553] PRS transmission and / or processing status for X candidate locations;

[0554] The Transmit / Receive Point Identifier (TRP ID) associated with the candidate location.

[0555] Optionally, the PRS transmission and / or processing of the X candidate locations includes at least one of the following:

[0556] The PRS transmission and / or processing status of a candidate location following the first indication information;

[0557] The PRS transmission and / or processing status of all candidate positions or candidate positions indicated as DL and / or flexilble symbols within the COT duration or within the COT duration following the first indication information;

[0558] The transmission and / or processing status of PRS resources in the candidate locations;

[0559] The transmission and / or processing of PRS duplicates in the candidate locations;

[0560] Wherein, X is predefined by the protocol, configured by the network device or the second terminal, or indicated by the first indication information.

[0561] Optionally, receiving the first indication information includes one of the following:

[0562] Receive the first indication information in front of each candidate position;

[0563] The first indication information is received in front of multiple candidate positions in each cycle;

[0564] After caching the PRS of multiple candidate positions, the first indication information is received;

[0565] Receive the first indication information in the authorized frequency band;

[0566] The first instruction information is received and carried in the payload after the successful Listen-Before-Speak LBT.

[0567] Optionally, the scope of the first indication information is within the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) Duration.

[0568] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal receives and / or processes the PRS of the candidate location by receiving the transmission and / or processing status indication of the candidate location, thereby improving the success rate of the terminal receiving the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band and thus effectively improving the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0569] Optionally, detecting the presence of PRS includes:

[0570] Blind detection of PRS is performed at the candidate locations.

[0571] Optionally, the processor 1210 is further configured to: after successfully receiving or detecting the PRS for the first time,

[0572] Based on network device indications, second terminal indications, protocol predefined criteria, or first terminal selection, receive or process PRS for subsequent candidate locations; or...

[0573] According to the second indication information, the PRS of subsequent candidate locations is received or processed, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the transmission and / or processing status of the PRS of subsequent candidate locations.

[0574] Optionally, the network device indication, the second terminal indication, the protocol predefined, or the content selected by the first terminal includes at least one of the following:

[0575] PRS for subsequent candidate positions will not be accepted;

[0576] Receive PRS for subsequent candidate positions;

[0577] The maximum and / or minimum number of times to continue receiving candidate location PRS;

[0578] The number of times PRS for candidate positions needs to be received.

[0579] Optionally, the second indication information indicates the transmission and / or processing of subsequent candidate position PRS in the form of a bitmap.

[0580] Optionally, the second indication information is indicated by the network device.

[0581] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal receives and / or processes the PRS of subsequent candidate locations according to the transmission and / or processing status of subsequent candidate locations, which improves the success rate of the terminal receiving the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band, thereby effectively improving the transmission efficiency of the positioning reference signal in the unlicensed frequency band.

[0582] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 1201 is further configured to:

[0583] The measurement results are reported to the network device, and the measurement results include the candidate location information of the PRS actually received by the first terminal.

[0584] Optionally, the candidate location information of the PRS actually received by the first terminal includes at least one of the following: candidate location identifier, candidate location timestamp, and sender / receiver point identifier (TRP ID).

[0585] Optionally, the processor 1210 is also configured to: cache the PRS for all candidate locations.

[0586] The embodiments of this application can effectively improve the transmission efficiency of positioning reference signals in unlicensed frequency bands.

[0587] This application embodiment also provides a terminal, wherein the processor 1210 is configured to perform listen-before-speak LBT based on the candidate location information of the positioning reference signal PRS, or to send the PRS after the LBT is successful.

[0588] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 1201 is also used for:

[0589] In unlicensed frequency bands, after LBT is successful, the candidate location information of the PRS actually transmitted will be reported to the first network device and / or other base stations participating in the positioning.

[0590] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 1201 is also configured to: after successfully transmitting the PRS of the first candidate position, transmit or not transmit the PRS of the remaining candidate positions.

[0591] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal performs Listen-Before-Speak (LBT) based on the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), or sends the PRS after the LBT is successful. By increasing the transmission opportunities of the unlicensed frequency band positioning reference signal, the transmission efficiency of the unlicensed frequency band positioning reference signal in the sidelink scenario is improved.

[0592] This application also provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface. The processor is used to perform listen-before-speak LBT based on candidate location information from the Position Reference Signal (PRS), or to send the PRS after successful LBT. This network-side device embodiment corresponds to the method embodiment described above, where the execution subject is a second network device. All implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this network-side device embodiment and achieve the same technical effects.

[0593] Specifically, embodiments of this application also provide a network-side device. Figure 13 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a network-side device provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the network-side device 1300 includes: an antenna 1301, a radio frequency (RF) device 1302, and a baseband device 1303. The antenna 1301 is connected to the RF device 1302. In the uplink direction, the RF device 1302 receives information through the antenna 1301 and transmits the received information to the baseband device 1303 for processing. In the downlink direction, the baseband device 1303 processes the information to be transmitted and sends it to the RF device 1302. The RF device 1302 processes the received information and transmits it through the antenna 1301.

[0594] The aforementioned frequency band processing device can be located in the baseband device 1303. The method executed by the network-side device in the above embodiments can be implemented in the baseband device 1303, which includes a processor 1304 and a memory 1305.

[0595] The baseband device 1303 may, for example, include at least one baseband board on which multiple chips are disposed, such as... Figure 13 As shown, one of the chips, for example, is a processor 1304, which is connected to a memory 1305 to call the program in the memory 1305 and execute the network device operation shown in the above method embodiment.

[0596] The baseband device 1303 may also include a network interface 1306 for exchanging information with the radio frequency device 1302, such as a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0597] Specifically, the network-side device in this embodiment of the invention further includes: instructions or programs stored in memory 1305 and executable on processor 1304, wherein processor 1304 calls the instructions or programs in memory 1305 to execute... Figure 8 The methods executed by each module shown achieve the same technical effect, and to avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail here.

[0598] This application also provides a network-side device. This network-side device embodiment corresponds to the method embodiment described above, where the execution subject is a first network device. All implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this network-side device embodiment and achieve the same technical effects.

[0599] Figure 14 This is a second schematic diagram of the network-side device provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 14 As shown, the network-side device 1400 includes: a processor 1401, a transceiver 1402, a memory 1403, a user interface 1404, and a bus interface, wherein:

[0600] In this embodiment of the invention, the network-side device 1400 further includes a computer program stored in a memory 1403 and executable on a processor 1401, the computer program being executed by the processor 1401. Figure 10 The methods executed by each module shown achieve the same technical effect, and to avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail here.

[0601] exist Figure 14In this context, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1401 and memory represented by memory 1403 together. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. Transceiver 1402 can be multiple elements, including transmitters and receivers, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. For different user equipment, user interface 1404 can also be an interface capable of connecting external or internal devices, including but not limited to keypads, displays, speakers, microphones, joysticks, etc.

[0602] The processor 1401 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory 1403 can store the data used by the processor 1401 when performing operations.

[0603] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described positioning reference signal processing method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0604] The processor mentioned above is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0605] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-described positioning reference signal processing method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0606] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0607] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0608] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a computer software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0609] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for processing a positioning reference signal, characterized in that, include: The first terminal acquires the candidate position of the positioning reference signal (PRS); Based on the candidate positions, perform the first operation; The first operation includes at least one of the following: Detect the presence of PRS; Measure and / or process the PRS; The first terminal acquires candidate locations of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), including: Obtain the association between PRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; The association between the PRS repetitions and candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N PRS repetitions, the number of PRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is... M / N .

2. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each candidate position contains all PRS resources within the group, as well as duplicate PRS resources; the PRS distribution is consistent across all candidate positions. A group may consist of a Transmit / Receive Point (TRP), a terminal, or a PRS resource set.

3. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each candidate location contains a specific PRS resource and / or duplicate PRS resources.

4. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measurement and / or processing of PRS includes: Measure and / or process the PRS based on the beam scan pattern of the PRS at the candidate locations; The beam scanning pattern is related to a first parameter, which includes at least one of the following parameters: PRS resource count; PRS repetition count; Time-frequency pattern of each PRS resource; The number of symbols used per PRS resource; PRS repeating gap; Duration of candidate position; Gap between PRS resources.

5. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The scanning method corresponding to the beam scanning pattern is either scan first and then repeat, or repeat first and then scan, and the scanning method is agreed upon by the protocol or instructed by the network.

6. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The identifier or index of the PRS resource corresponds to the target location in the beam scan pattern.

7. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The beam scanning pattern is determined according to at least one of the following: The first parameter; The agreement stipulates; Network device indication.

8. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first terminal receives the first instruction information; The first terminal measures and / or processes the PRS of the candidate location according to the first instruction information; The first indication information is used to indicate the PRS transmission and / or processing status of the candidate location; The first indication information is an indication from a network device or a second terminal.

9. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first indication information includes at least one of the following: PRS transmission and / or processing status for X candidate locations; The Transmit / Receive Point Identifier (TRP ID) associated with the candidate location.

10. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The PRS transmission and / or processing of the X candidate locations includes at least one of the following: The PRS transmission and / or processing status of a candidate location following the first indication information; The PRS transmission and / or processing status of all candidate positions or candidate positions indicated as DL and / or flexilble symbols within the COT duration or within the COT duration following the first indication information; The transmission and / or processing status of PRS resources in the candidate locations; The transmission and / or processing of PRS duplicates in the candidate locations; Wherein, X is predefined by the protocol, configured by the network device or the second terminal, or indicated by the first indication information.

11. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The receipt of the first indication information includes one of the following: Receive the first indication information in front of each candidate position; The first indication information is received in front of multiple candidate positions in each cycle; After caching the PRS of multiple candidate positions, the first indication information is received; Receive the first indication information in the authorized frequency band; The first instruction information is received and carried in the payload after the successful Listen-Before-Speak LBT.

12. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The effective range of the first indication information is within the Channel Occupancy Time (COT) Duration.

13. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection of the presence of PRS includes: Blind detection of PRS is performed at the candidate locations.

14. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the PRS is successfully received or detected for the first time, the following is also included: Based on network device indications, second terminal indications, protocol predefined criteria, or first terminal selection, receive or process PRS for subsequent candidate locations; or... According to the second indication information, the PRS of subsequent candidate locations is received or processed, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the transmission and / or processing status of the PRS of subsequent candidate locations.

15. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The network device indication, the second terminal indication, the protocol predefined, or the content selected by the first terminal includes at least one of the following: PRS for subsequent candidate positions will not be accepted; Receive PRS for subsequent candidate positions; The maximum and / or minimum number of times to continue receiving candidate location PRS; The number of times PRS for candidate positions needs to be received.

16. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second indication information indicates the transmission and / or processing of subsequent candidate position PRS in the form of a bitmap.

17. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After measuring the PRS, the method further includes: The measurement results are reported to the network device, and the measurement results include the candidate location information of the PRS actually received by the first terminal.

18. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The candidate location information of the PRS actually received by the first terminal includes at least one of the following: candidate location identifier, candidate location timestamp, sender-receiver point identifier (TRP ID), and PRS resource and / or resource set identifier associated with the candidate location.

19. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before processing the PRS, the process also includes: Cache the PRS for all candidate positions.

20. A method for processing a positioning reference signal, characterized in that, include: The second network device performs listen-before-speak LBT based on the candidate location information of the positioning reference signal (PRS), or sends the PRS after the LBT is successful. The candidate positions are determined in the following way: Obtain the association between PRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; The association between the PRS repetitions and candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N PRS repetitions, the number of PRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is... M / N .

21. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: In unlicensed frequency bands, after a successful LBT, the candidate location information of the actual transmitted PRS is reported to the first network device and / or other second network devices involved in the positioning.

22. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: After successfully sending the PRS for the first candidate position, send or do not send the PRS for the remaining candidate positions.

23. A method for processing a positioning reference signal, characterized in that, include: The second terminal performs listen-before-speak LBT based on the candidate location information of the positioning reference signal PRS, or sends the PRS after the LBT is successful. The candidate positions are determined in the following way: Obtain the association between PRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; The association between the PRS repetitions and candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N PRS repetitions, the number of PRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is... M / N .

24. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: In unlicensed frequency bands, after LBT is successful, the candidate location information of the PRS actually transmitted will be reported to the first network device and / or other base stations participating in the positioning.

25. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: After successfully sending the PRS for the first candidate position, send or do not send the PRS for the remaining candidate positions.

26. A method for processing a positioning reference signal, characterized in that, include: The first network device sends the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) to other second network devices participating in the positioning process; The candidate positions are determined in the following way: Obtain the association between PRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; The association between the PRS repetitions and candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N PRS repetitions, the number of PRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is... M / N .

27. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network device receives the candidate location information of the PRS actually sent reported by the second network device or the second terminal, and forwards the candidate location information of the PRS actually sent to other second network devices participating in the positioning.

28. The positioning reference signal processing method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network device sends PRS configuration information to other second network devices participating in positioning, so as to help the other second network devices participating in positioning eliminate the interference of PRS of the second network devices participating in positioning in neighboring cells during LBT; The PRS configuration information includes at least one of the following: candidate location information of PRS, PRS sequence, and PRS mapping.

29. A positioning reference signal processing device, characterized in that, include: The first acquisition unit is used to acquire candidate positions of the positioning reference signal PRS; The first processing unit is configured to perform a first operation based on the candidate position; The first operation includes at least one of the following: Detect the presence of PRS; Measure and / or process the PRS; The first acquisition unit is specifically used for: Obtain the association between PRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; The association between the PRS repetitions and candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N PRS repetitions, the number of PRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is... M / N .

30. The positioning reference signal processing device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The measurement and / or processing of PRS includes: Measure and / or process the PRS based on the beam scan pattern of the PRS at the candidate locations; The beam scanning pattern is related to a first parameter, which includes at least one of the following parameters: PRS resource count; PRS repetition count; Time-frequency pattern of each PRS resource; The number of symbols used per PRS resource; PRS repeating gap; Duration of candidate position; Gap between PRS resources.

31. The positioning reference signal processing device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The device further includes: The first receiving unit is used to receive the first instruction information; The second receiving unit is configured to measure and / or process the PRS of the candidate location according to the first indication information; The first indication information is used to indicate the PRS transmission and / or processing status of the candidate location; The first indication information is an indication from a network device or a second terminal.

32. The positioning reference signal processing device according to claim 31, characterized in that, The receipt of the first indication information includes one of the following: Receive the first indication information in front of each candidate position; The first indication information is received in front of multiple candidate positions in each cycle; After caching the PRS of multiple candidate positions, the first indication information is received; Receive the first indication information in the authorized frequency band; The first instruction information is received and carried in the payload after the successful Listen-Before-Speak LBT.

33. The positioning reference signal processing device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The detection of the presence of PRS includes: Blind detection of PRS is performed at the candidate locations.

34. The positioning reference signal processing device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The device further includes: a second processing unit; The second processing unit is used to: after successfully receiving the PRS for the first time, Based on network device instructions, second terminal instructions, protocol predefined criteria, or first terminal selection, receive or process PRS for subsequent candidate locations; or... According to the second indication information, the PRS of subsequent candidate locations is received or processed, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate the transmission and / or processing status of the PRS of subsequent candidate locations.

35. The positioning reference signal processing device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The device further includes: The first transmitting unit is used to report the measurement results to the network device. The measurement results include the candidate location information of the PRS actually received by the first terminal.

36. The positioning reference signal processing device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The device further includes: The first cache unit is used to cache the PRS for all candidate positions.

37. A positioning reference signal processing device, characterized in that, include: The third processing unit is used to perform listen-before-speak LBT based on the candidate position information of the positioning reference signal PRS, or to send the PRS after the LBT is successful. The candidate positions are determined in the following way: Obtain the association between PRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; The association between the PRS repetitions and candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N PRS repetitions, the number of PRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is... M / N .

38. A positioning reference signal processing device, characterized in that, include: The fifth processing unit is used to perform listen-before-speak LBT based on the candidate position information of the positioning reference signal PRS, or to send the PRS after the LBT is successful. The candidate positions are determined in the following way: Obtain the association between PRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; The association between the PRS repetitions and candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N PRS repetitions, the number of PRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is... M / N .

39. A positioning reference signal processing device, characterized in that, include: The fourth transmitting unit is used to transmit the candidate location information of the Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) to other second network devices participating in the positioning process. The candidate positions are determined in the following way: Obtain the association between PRS repetitions and candidate positions, and obtain the candidate positions based on the association; The association between the PRS repetitions and candidate positions satisfies the following: each candidate position corresponds to N PRS repetitions, the number of PRS repetitions is M, and the number of candidate positions is... M / N .

40. A terminal, characterized in that, It includes a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, or implement the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in any one of claims 23 to 25.

41. A network-side device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in any one of claims 20 to 22, or implement the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in any one of claims 26 to 28.

42. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, or the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in any one of claims 20 to 22, or the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in any one of claims 23 to 25, or the steps of the positioning reference signal processing method as described in any one of claims 26 to 28.

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