Conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods are disclosed. One method includes receiving (702), from a location server, one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for a location estimate, receiving (704) a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement, performing (706) the at least one measurement based on the measurement request, determining (708) whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria, and determining (710) a measurement reporting mode based on whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria in the absence of the measurement reporting mode being specified by the location server.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Example and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to communications, and more particularly to conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to use a global positioning system to enable tracking. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0004] Figure 1 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting system in which example embodiments can be practiced.

[0005] Figure 2 is an example diagram depicting signaling associated with positioning measurement criteria, where (*) indicates UL positioning and (**) indicates DL positioning.

[0006] Figure 3 is a logical diagram of a UE / gNB in a first embodiment based on examples described herein.

[0007] Figure 4 is a logical diagram of a UE / gNB in a second embodiment based on examples described herein.

[0008] Figure 5 shows functional blocks that can be implemented at an LMF to determine criteria that should be communicated to a UE / gNB based on accuracy / integrity requirements.

[0009] Figure 6 is an example apparatus that can be implemented in hardware configured to implement a conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning based on examples described herein.

[0010] Figure 7 is an example method of implementing a conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning.

[0011] Figure 8 is an example method of implementing a conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning.

[0012] Figure 9 is another example method of implementing a conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following acronyms and abbreviations that can be found in the specification and / or the drawings are defined as follows:

[0014] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0015] 5G Fifth Generation

[0016] 5GC 5G core network

[0017] AMF Access and Mobility [Management] Function

[0018] CU Centralized Unit or Central Unit

[0019] DC Dual Connectivity

[0020] DL Downlink

[0021] DU Distributed Unit

[0022] DSP Digital Signal Processor eNB (or eNodeB) Evolved Node B (e.g., LTE base station) EN-DC E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity en-gNB or En-Gnb a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations to a UE and acts as a secondary node in EN-DC

[0023] E-UTRA Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access, i.e., LTE Radio Access Technology

[0024] F1 Functional split interface between CU and DU in 3GPP gNB (or gNodeB) base station for 5G / NR, i.e., a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations to a UE and is connected to 5GC via NG interface; or 5G Node B

[0025] GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System

[0026] GPS Global Positioning System

[0027] I / F Interface

[0028] I / O Input and Output

[0029] IoT Internet of Things

[0030] KPI Key Performance Indicator

[0031] LMC Location Management Component

[0032] LMF Location Management Function

[0033] LoS Line of Sight

[0034] LPP LTE Positioning Protocol

[0035] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0036] MAC Medium Access Control

[0037] MME Mobility Management Entity

[0038] ng or NG New Generation

[0039] ng-eNB or NG-eNB New Generation eNB

[0040] NG-RAN New Generation Radio Access Network

[0041] NLOS Non-Line of Sight

[0042] NR or NR- New Radio

[0043] NRPPa NR Positioning Protocol Annex

[0044] N / W or NW Network

[0045] PDA Personal Digital Assistant

[0046] PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol

[0047] PHY Physical Layer

[0048] PRS Positioning Reference Signal

[0049] RAN Radio Access Network

[0050] RAT Radio Access Technology

[0051] Rel- Release

[0052] RLC Radio Link Control

[0053] RP 3GPP RAN

[0054] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0055] RRH Remote Radio Head

[0056] RSRP Reference Signal Received Power

[0057] RSRQ Reference Signal Received Quality

[0058] RSTD Reference Signal Time Difference

[0059] RU Radio Unit

[0060] Rx Receiver

[0061] SDAP Service Data Adaptation Protocol

[0062] SGW Serving Gateway

[0063] SMF Session Management Function

[0064] SRS Sounding Reference Signal

[0065] TDoA Time Difference of Arrival

[0066] TRP Transmission and Reception Point

[0067] TS Technical Specification

[0068] Tx Transmitter

[0069] UE User Equipment (e.g., wireless device, typically a mobile device)

[0070] UL Uplink

[0071] UPF User Plane Function

[0072] Turning Figure 1 FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which some examples can be practiced. A user equipment (UE) 110, a radio access network (RAN) node 170, and a network element 190 are illustrated. In Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1, a user equipment (UE) 110 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. The UE is a wireless device that can access the wireless network 100. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. The one or more transceivers 130 include a receiver, Rx 132, and a transmitter, Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 can be address, data, or control buses and can include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber or other optical communication device, and the like. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 includes a module 140, which includes one or both of portions 140-1 and / or 140-2, which can be implemented in a variety of ways. The module 140 can be implemented in hardware as module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 120. The module 140-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 140 can be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and executed by the one or more processors 120. For example, the one or more memories 125 and computer program code 123 can be configured to, working with the one or more processors 120, cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The UE 110 communicates with the RAN node 170 via a wireless link 111.

[0073] In this example, the RAN node 170 is a base station that provides access to the wireless network 100 for wireless devices, such as the UE 110. The RAN node 170 can be, for example, a base station for 5G, also referred to as New Radio (NR). In 5G, the RAN node 170 can be an NG-RAN node, which is defined to be a gNB or ng-eNB. A gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and is connected to a 5GC, such as the network element 190, via an NG interface. An ng-eNB is a node that provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and is connected to a 5GC via an NG interface. An NG-RAN node can include multiple gNBs, which can also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and a distributed unit (DU) (gNB-DU), of which a DU 195 is shown. Note that a DU can include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). The gNB-CU is a logical node hosting the radio resource control (RRC), SDAP, and PDCP protocols of a gNB, or the RRC and PDCP protocols of an en-gNB that control the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the Fl interface with the gNB-DU. The Fl interface is illustrated as reference 198, although the reference 198 also illustrates a link between a remote unit of the RAN node 170 and a centralized unit of the RAN node 170, such as between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB-DU 195. The gNB-DU is a logical node hosting the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of a gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is controlled in part by the gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or more cells. One cell is supported by one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the Fl interface 198 with the gNB-CU. Note that the DU 195 is considered to include the transceiver 160 (e.g., as part of a RU), although some examples of this aspect can have the transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, e.g., under the control of and connected to the DU 195. The RAN node 170 can also be an eNB (evolved Node B) base station for LTE (Long Term Evolution), or any other suitable base station or node.

[0074] The RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157. The one or more transceivers 160 include a receiver, Rx, 162 and a transmitter, Tx, 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 can include the processor 152, the memory 155, and the network interface 161. Note that the DU 195 can also contain its own memory or memories and processors and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0075] The RAN node 170 includes a module 150, which includes one or both of portions 150-1 and / or 150-2, which can be implemented in a variety of ways. The module 150 can be implemented in hardware as module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 152. The module 150-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the module 150 can be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and executed by the one or more processors 152. For instance, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to, with the one or more processors 152, cause the RAN node 170 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. Note that the functionality of the module 150 can be distributed, such as being distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or solely implemented in the DU 195.

[0076] The one or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network, such as via links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 can communicate using, for example, links 176. The links 176 can be wired or wireless or both, and can implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other criteria.

[0077] The one or more buses 157 can be address, data, or control buses, and can include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 can be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 for a gNB implementation for 5G, where other elements of the RAN node 170 can be located physically in a different location from the RRH / DU, and the one or more buses 157 can be implemented in part as, e.g., fiber optic cables or other suitable network connections, to connect the other elements of the RAN node 170 (e.g., central unit (CU), gNB-CU) to the RRH / DU 195. Reference 198 indicates those suitable network links as well.

[0078] Note that the description herein indicates that the “cell” performs functions, but it should be clear that the device forming the cell will perform these functions. The cell forms part of a base station. That is, each base station can have multiple cells. For example, there can be three cells for a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth, with at least one cell covering one third of the 360 degree area, so that the coverage area of a single base station covers an approximately elliptical or circular shape. Further, at least one cell can correspond to a single carrier, and a base station can use multiple carriers. Thus, if there are three 120 degree cells per carrier and there are two carriers, then the base station has a total of 6 cells.

[0079] The wireless network 100 can include one or more network units 190, which can include core network functionality, and provide connectivity to another network, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet) via one or more links 181. Such core network functionality for 5G can include Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and / or User Plane Function (UPF) and / or Session Management Function (SMF). Such core network functionality for LTE can include MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality. These are merely example functionality that can be supported by the network units 190, and note that both 5G and LTE functionality can be supported. The RAN nodes 170 are coupled via links 131 to the network units 190. The links 131 can be implemented, for example, as an NG interface for 5G, or an SI interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other criteria. The network units 190 include one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F) 180 interconnected via one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, with the one or more processors 175, cause the network units 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0080] The wireless network 100 can implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based, managed entity (virtual network). Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, which is typically combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization can be divided into external virtualization (combining multiple networks or parts of networks into a virtual unit) or internal virtualization (providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system). Note that the virtualized entities resulting from network virtualization are still implemented using hardware (e.g., processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171) at some level, and such virtualized entities also have technical effects.

[0081] The memories 125, 155, and 171 (e.g., computer-readable storage media) can be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The memories 125, 155, and 171 can be means for performing the storage functions described herein. The processors 120, 152, and 175 can be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and can include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures as non-limiting examples. The processors 120, 152, and 175 can be means for performing the functions described herein, such as controlling the UE 110, the RAN node 170, the network unit 190, and other functions described herein.

[0082] Generally, the various embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

[0083] Examples described herein can relate to NR positioning. Examples described herein can be used in situations where the location of a device is needed.

[0084] Positioning is an enabler for various verticals and use cases that 5G aims to support. By gaining knowledge about the approximate or precise location of a device, 5G systems can enable applications such as location-based services, autonomous driving, and industrial Internet of Things. While accurate positioning can generally be achieved through GNSS technologies such as GPS, in the context of some indoor scenarios such as factory automation or warehouse management, they can not be able to provide positioning with sufficient accuracy. Therefore, RAT-dependent positioning methods based on downlink / uplink signals developed by 3GPP guidelines (e.g., PRS / SRS) have been extensively studied in LTE / NR.

[0085] In the context of RAT-dependent positioning, a location server (e.g., LMF) or component (e.g., LMC) typically deployed in the core network or RAN is in charge of requesting and collecting measurements of PRS / SRS obtained by the UE / gNB (depending on whether a DL or UL positioning method is used). Based on the collected measurements, the location server can use certain algorithms to estimate the position of the target device. Obviously, the accuracy of the estimate relies on the quality of the measurements reported by the UE / gNB. In addition to accuracy, a goal of 3GPP is to further check the “integrity” of the positioning, which can be basically defined as the reliability of the estimate.

[0086] One prospective definition of integrity can be: the probability that the resulting positioning error is smaller than a pre-defined level. Therefore, to increase this probability, it is useful to ensure that the measurements collected by the location server are acquired in certain cases under favorable channel conditions for positioning. However, as explained herein, the location server can not be able to guarantee this.

[0087] In the existing RAT-dependent positioning framework, the location server (e.g., LMF) issues a request to a selected set of nodes and instructs the selected nodes (which can include gNBs / TRPs / UEs) to report their measurements on certain SRS / PRS configurations. Depending on the positioning method, the measurements to be reported can include RSRP / RSRQ and / or observation time, etc.

[0088] Optionally, the location server can further instruct the UE / gNB to report measurements related to additional propagation paths. A richer measurement content allows for more accurate estimation at the location server. For example, by reporting multiple paths, the location server can be able to identify and exclude certain unfavorable measurements (e.g., NLOS) to achieve better positioning accuracy. However, the value of the additional information in the report is at the expense of a high amount of signaling overhead, e.g., in the LPP / NRPPa interface. This problem can get worse when considering multi-beam operation (where the UE can need to measure and report paths associated with multiple beams from at least one of the gNBs, for example). Moreover, in certain cases, the resulting signaling overhead due to the rich feedback (e.g., additional paths) does not translate into gains - as the reported measurements can not end up being used by the location server (e.g., if the measurements are obtained in a very unfavorable propagation environment without any LoS). This can lead to a waste of resources (radio, power, battery).

[0089] In practice, given these factors and issues, the location server typically does not request the UE / gNB to report too much detail in its measurements. But by doing so, the knowledge of the radio propagation conditions at the location server can be very limited, which can mislead the location server to include incorrect measurements in the position estimate and eventually lead to a degradation of the integrity.

[0090] In short, when using the collected measurements for a position estimate, the location server can "filter out" some inappropriate measurements that can lead to a large error (e.g., measurements obtained in a NLOS propagation environment), but in practice, due to the limited knowledge of the location server about the propagation environment, this can be a challenging task for it to identify whether a measurement is adequate for a positioning estimate. Note that "measurement selection" is an implementation problem for the location server. Thus, the location server can not be able to guarantee that the integrity of the positioning used by a consumer (e.g., an application) can be achieved.

[0091] This problem is identified (and the examples described herein provide a solution for it) that due to the limited information, the location server can not be able to assess whether a reported measurement is suitable for a position estimate, while on the other hand increasing the measurement content can lead to a large signaling overhead that can be prohibited in practice. Eventually, the integrity can not be achieved or the accuracy is compromised due to a misuse of inappropriate measurements at the location server.

[0092] The methods described herein assume that, based on the application's positioning integrity or accuracy requirements, the location server is able to identify conditions that make a measurement "eligible" for a sufficiently accurate and reliable position estimate (e.g., measurements with a strong LoS path). In turn, the location server can provide information about such conditions to the UE / gNB as a criterion, and thus, the UE / gNB can use the provided criterion to determine whether they should (and at what level of detail) report measurements to the location server.

[0093] In general, the methods and associated examples herein include the following embodiments, Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

[0094] In a first embodiment (Embodiment 1), a positioning framework is provided in which the amount of measurement information that the UE / gNB is to report (alternatively, the determination or selection of a measurement reporting mode) can be determined by the UE / gNB itself based on certain criteria pre-configured by the location server.

[0095] The measurement reporting mode that the UE / gNB is to select (based on whether its measurements meet the criteria) can be one of the following:

[0096] • None (no reporting)

[0097] • Measurements related to one path

[0098] • Measurements related to multiple paths (e.g. the N strongest paths, or the N shortest paths)

[0099] • Full delay profile (measurements related to some paths, where the number of measured / reported paths can depend on UE capability)

[0100] • etc.

[0101] The criteria can be set by the location server based on the integrity / accuracy requirements (this is an implementation issue), examples of criteria can include:

[0102] • Presence of LoS

[0103] • Strength associated with LoS (if any)

[0104] • Number of measured paths

[0105] • Observed path delay or delay spread, e.g. whether the observed delay spread exceeds a certain threshold

[0106] • UE / gNB capability

[0107] • Any evidence that the quality of the measurements is problematic (e.g. noise peaks, interference, authentication problems of the base station, etc.)

[0108] • etc.

[0109] The criteria provided by the location server and their corresponding measurement reporting mode can vary depending on the positioning method to be applied.

[0110] In a second embodiment (Embodiment 2), the location server still forces the measurement types and information that the UE / gNB should report, so the UE / gNB does not select the reporting mode by itself as in Embodiment 1. However, the location server still provides preconfigured criteria, and the UE / gNB should include an indication (e.g. 1 bit) in at least one of its reports to indicate whether the reported measurements were obtained under the conditions that meet the criteria provided by the location server.

[0111] In an example with the simplest form, if the measurements of the UE / gNB do not meet the conditions preconfigured by the location server, it does not report anything (or just the indication). The conditions can be, for example, that the measurements were obtained in a channel where there is a strong enough LoS. Otherwise, it reports the information already requested by the location server.

[0112] The gain mechanism of the described concept is due to the fact that the UE / gNB has better knowledge or capability than the location server to identify certain impairments that can lead to unavailable measurements. For example, integrity loss corresponds to positioning errors in the order of kilometers due to other kinds of phenomena (noise peaks, interference, false base stations, etc.). In many cases, the UE / gNB has ways to detect suspicious measurements in order to discard them (e.g. by time filtering) rather than reporting them to the location server.

[0113] The detailed description of the method is as follows. The measurement criteria are transmitted from the location server to the UE / gNB. For the case of UL positioning (where the gNB performs the measurements and reporting), the measurement criteria are transmitted to the serving and neighboring gNBs via NRPPa as part of the NG-RAN procedure. For the case of DL positioning (where the UE performs the measurements and reporting), the measurement criteria are transmitted to the UE via LPP as part of the assistance data signaling.

[0114] The UE / gNB receiving the measurement criteria performs the measurements and evaluates independently whether to accept or discard the measurements based on the received criteria - equivalently, whether the measurements meet the received criteria. Depending on the received configuration on the quantity of measurements to be reported (i.e. measurement reporting mode), the UE reports for the case of DL positioning and the serving and neighboring gNBs report for the case of UL positioning.

[0115] The first embodiment (Embodiment 1) determines the measurement reporting mode based on whether the measurements meet the criteria received from the LMF. For example, the UE / gNB reports some of the measurements that meet the criteria (rather than reporting some requested measurements as in existing standards) as independent measurements (e.g. RSRP measurements) or in combination with measurements from other transmission points (e.g. in the case of DL TDoA) as part of RSTD measurements.

[0116] The second embodiment (Embodiment 2) reports the requested measurements and indicates whether the reported measurements were obtained under the condition of meeting the criteria provided by the location server.

[0117] The measurement criteria are specific to the used positioning method. In case of change in the service (integrity) requirements and / or the location server decides to change the positioning method, the location server can update the measurement criteria.

[0118] The described signaling procedure is summarized in Figure 2 for Embodiment 1 for simplicity. Both UL and DL positioning methods are included in Figure 2 , where the asterisk (*) or double asterisk (**) is used to distinguish the new steps for UL positioning (*) and for DL positioning (**) respectively. Furthermore, both UL and DL positioning methods are included in Figure 2(and in subsequent figures) uses LMF as the location server as an example.

[0119] Thus, Figure 2 is an example diagram 200 depicting signaling associated with positioning measurement criteria, where (*) indicates UL positioning and (**) indicates DL positioning. As Figure 2 As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the signaling includes a UE 202, a serving gNB 204, a set of neighboring gNBs 206 (including gNB_N1 206-1 and gNB_N2 206-2), and a LMF 208. LPP capability transfer 210 interfaces with at least one of the UE 202, the serving gNB 204, the set of neighboring gNBs 206, and the LMF 208.

[0120] The signaling 200 includes NG-RAN procedures 212, which include signaling 214, 216, 218*, 220*, and 222*. At 214, the LMF 208 provides a NRPPa Positioning Information Request 214 to the serving gNB 204. At 216, the serving gNB 204 provides a NRPPa Positioning Information Response to the LMF 208. At 218*, the LMF 208 provides a NRPPa Positioning Measurement Criteria associated with UL positioning to the serving gNB 204. At 220*, the LMF 208 provides a NRPPa Positioning Measurement Criteria associated with UL positioning to gNB_N1 206-1 of the set of neighboring gNBs 206. At 222*, the LMF 208 provides a NRPPa Positioning Measurement Criteria associated with UL positioning to gNB_N2 206-2 of the set of neighboring gNBs 206.

[0121] The signaling 200 includes UE procedures 224, which include items 226 and 228**. At 226, the LMF 208 provides LPP Assistance Data to the UE 202. At 228**, the LMF 208 provides LPP Positioning Measurement Criteria associated with DL positioning to the UE 202.

[0122] At 230*, the serving gNB 204 performs measurement evaluation associated with UL positioning. At 232*, gNB_N1 206-1 and gNB_N2 206-2 of the set of neighboring gNBs 206 perform measurement evaluation associated with UL positioning. At 234**, the UE 202 performs measurement evaluation associated with DL positioning.

[0123] Signaling 200 includes an NRPPa Measurement Response 236, which includes entries 238*, 240*, and 242*. At 238*, the serving gNB 204 provides filtered reporting measurements associated with UL positioning to the LMF 208. At 240*, the gNB_N1 206-1 of the set of neighboring gNBs 206 provides filtered reporting measurements associated with UL positioning to the LMF 208. At 242*, the gNB_N2 206-2 of the set of neighboring gNBs 206 provides filtered reporting measurements associated with UL positioning to the LMF 208.

[0124] Signaling 200 includes an LPP Measurement Response 244, which includes entry 246**. At 246**, the UE 202 provides filtered reporting measurements associated with UL positioning to the LMF 208.

[0125] In some examples, the signaling 200 also includes the UE 202, or one or more gNBs (the serving gNB 204 and / or the set of neighboring gNBs 206 including the gNB_N1 206-1 and the gNB-N2 206-2), or a transmission and / or reception point providing an indication of the determined measurement reporting mode to the LMF 208 or to a location server or some other entity.

[0126] If there is an update to one or more criteria (such as a method change), the signaling 200 also provides a mechanism 248, which includes entries 250*, 252*, 254*, and 256**. At 250*, the LMF 208 provides a positioning measurement criteria update (e.g., associated with UL positioning) to the serving gNB 204. At 252*, the LMF 208 provides a positioning measurement criteria update (e.g., associated with UL positioning) to the gNB_N1 206-1 of the set of neighboring gNBs 206. At 254*, the LMF 208 provides a positioning measurement criteria update (e.g., associated with UL positioning) to the gNB_N2 206-2 of the set of neighboring gNBs 206. At 256**, the LMF 208 provides a positioning measurement criteria update (e.g., associated with DL positioning) to the UE 202.

[0127] Figure 3 An exemplary logical diagram (collectively 300) of the UE / gNB in Embodiment 1 is shown, which first receives criteria set by the LMF and then determines its own measurement reporting mode based on whether one or more measurements are obtained under conditions that satisfy the received criteria.

[0128] At 302, the UE or gNB receives criteria from the LMF. At 304, the UE or gNB receives a measurement request. At 306, the UE or gNB performs one or more measurements. At 308, the UE or gNB determines whether the measurements satisfy the received criteria or whether the measurements were obtained under conditions that satisfy the received criteria. Responsive to a positive determination (e.g., “yes”) at 308, the method proceeds to 310. Responsive to a negative determination (e.g., “no”) at 308, the method proceeds to 312. At 310, the UE or gNB selects a first reporting mode (e.g., reporting nothing). At 312, the UE or gNB selects a second reporting mode (e.g., reporting one path measurement). In some examples, the UE or gNB (or transmission and / or reception point) provides an indication of the determined measurement reporting mode (first reporting mode or second reporting mode) to the LMF (or location server or some other entity).

[0129] Figure 4 An exemplary logical diagram (collectively 400) of the UE / gNB in Embodiment 2 is shown that first receives criteria set by the LMF and then determines an indicator to include in a report based on whether measurements were obtained under conditions that satisfy the received criteria.

[0130] At 402, the UE or gNB receives criteria from the LMF. At 404, the UE or gNB receives a measurement request. At 406, the UE or gNB performs one or more measurements. At 408, the UE or gNB determines whether the measurements satisfy the received criteria or whether the measurements were obtained under conditions that satisfy the received criteria. Responsive to a positive determination (e.g., “yes”) at 408, the method proceeds to 410. Responsive to a negative determination (e.g., “no”) at 408, the method proceeds to 412. At 410, the UE or gNB reports the requested measurements with an indication that the positive criteria was satisfied. At 412, the UE or gNB reports the requested measurements with an indication that the negative criteria was satisfied.

[0131] Figure 5 A functional block or functional entity 504 is shown that can be implemented at the LMF to determine criteria that should be communicated to the UE / gNB based on accuracy / integrity requirements. As previously noted, the LMF can determine this based on accuracy and / or integrity requirements of a consumer (e.g., an application) (see 502), and the LMF can have a built-in functional block or functional entity 504 that performs a mapping between the accuracy / integrity requirements 502 and criteria 506 that should be satisfied by the propagation environment (e.g., this mapping can be implemented via a lookup table or predefined rules). Note that this is an implementation issue for the LMF.

[0132] The examples described herein have several advantages and technical effects, including reporting overhead, avoiding use of inappropriate measurements, and integrity protection.

[0133] Reporting overhead The described approach provides a flexible and scalable framework in which measurement information is reported when it is obtained under favorable conditions that are useful for accurate / reliable position estimation, thus it avoids unnecessary reporting that can be useless or even harmful for estimation at the LMF.

[0134] Avoiding use of inappropriate measurements As discussed above, the LMF can filter out some inappropriate measurements on its own based on, for example, intelligent algorithms. However, this is still challenging, especially when the information reported by the UE / gNB is quite limited. With the described framework, the LMF can at least ensure that some of the collected measurements are obtained under more desirable conditions.

[0135] Integrity protection Since the LMF can directly interact with the consumer on its requirements for accuracy, reliability, and / or integrity, it can identify the quality of measurements it needs. By setting the quality as a criterion for gNB / UE to select the reporting mode, the measurements collected by the LMF can sometimes provide good measurements for it to achieve the specified integrity performance.

[0136] Figure 6 Another example apparatus 600 configured to implement a conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning based on the examples described herein can be implemented in hardware based on the examples described herein. The apparatus 600 includes a processor 602, at least one non-transitory memory 604 including computer program code 605, where the at least one memory 604 and the computer program code 605 are configured to, with the at least one processor 602, cause the apparatus 600 to implement a conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning 606 based on the examples described herein. The apparatus 600 optionally includes a display 608, which can be used to display aspects of the apparatus 600 or provide input and output (I / O). The apparatus 600 also includes one or more network (NW) interfaces (I / F) 610. The NW I / F 610 can be wired and / or wireless, and can communicate over the Internet / other networks via any communication technology. The NW I / F 610 can include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. The apparatus 600 can be a UE, a gNB, an LMF, or any other suitable device for implementing a conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning.

[0137] It should also be understood that the examples described herein Figure 1Any one or both of the modules 140-1 and 140-2 of the UE 110 can provide functionality to support implementation of the methods described herein for conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning. In some examples, functionality for conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning can also be supported / implemented by the computer program code 173 of the network unit 190, and / or the modules 150-1 and / or 150-2 of the RAN node 170, e.g., in conjunction with the UE 110 (e.g., the modules 140-1 and / or 140-2 of the UE 110).

[0138] Figure 7 is an example method 700 for implementing conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning. The method 700 can be implemented by a target device such as a UE or a gNB. At 702, the method includes receiving, from a location server, one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics or features of at least one measurement for a location estimate. At 704, the method includes receiving a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement. At 706, the method includes performing the at least one measurement based on the measurement request. At 708, the method includes determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria. At 710, the method includes determining a measurement reporting mode based on whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria.

[0139] Figure 8 is an example method 800 for implementing conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning. The method 800 can be implemented by a location management server or a location management function. At 802, the method includes providing one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics or features of at least one measurement for a location estimate. At 804, the method includes providing a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement. At 806, the method includes receiving or not receiving at least a portion of the at least one measurement.

[0140] Figure 9 is another example method 900 for implementing conditional measurement reporting mode for positioning. At 902, the method includes receiving, from a location server, one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for a location estimate. At 904, the method includes receiving a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement. At 906, the method includes performing the at least one measurement based on the measurement request. At 908, the method includes determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria. At 910, the method includes receiving, from the location server, a measurement reporting mode as specified.

[0141] An example method includes receiving, from a location server, one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for a location estimate; receiving a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; performing the at least one measurement based on the measurement request; determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria; and determining a measurement reporting mode based on whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria.

[0142] The method can further include receiving, from the location server, the measurement reporting mode as specified; reporting the at least one measurement based on the measurement reporting mode; and providing an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0143] The method can further include providing an indication of whether the one or more characteristics of the at least one measurement satisfy the received one or more criteria.

[0144] The method can further include reporting based on the determined measurement reporting mode.

[0145] The method can further include wherein reporting includes not reporting at least a portion of the at least one measurement.

[0146] The method can further include wherein reporting includes reporting the at least one measurement with different levels of detail.

[0147] The method can further include providing an indication of the determined measurement reporting mode to the location server or some other entity.

[0148] The method can be performed by a user equipment, a radio node, or a transmission and / or reception point.

[0149] The method can further include wherein the one or more criteria are received via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a network node.

[0150] The method can further include wherein the network node is a gNB, a transmission and / or reception point, or a radio measurement node.

[0151] The method can further include wherein the one or more criteria are received via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a user equipment (UE).

[0152] The method can further include wherein the measurement reporting mode includes any of: not reporting the at least one measurement; reporting the at least one measurement related to one path; reporting the at least one measurement related to multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a strongest path of the multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a shortest path of the multiple paths; or reporting the at least one measurement related to a number of paths that the device is able to measure or report.

[0153] The method can further include wherein the one or more criteria relate to at least one of: presence of at least one line of sight path; strength associated with the at least one line of sight path; number of measured paths; observed path delay; capability of the device to receive the one or more criteria; or whether at least one piece of evidence indicating uncertainty in quality of the at least one measurement is identified.

[0154] The method can further include wherein if the one or more criteria relate to evidence indicating uncertainty in quality of the at least one measurement, the evidence includes one or more of a noise spike, interference, or authentication issue.

[0155] The method can further include receiving an update of the one or more criteria from a location server.

[0156] The method can further include wherein the one or more criteria vary depending on a positioning method to be applied.

[0157] The method can further include wherein the at least one measurement relates to a sounding reference signal or a positioning reference signal.

[0158] The method can further include wherein determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria includes determining whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0159] An example method includes providing one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for position estimation; providing a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; and receiving or not receiving at least a portion of the at least one measurement.

[0160] The method can further include providing a measurement reporting mode; and receiving an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0161] The method can further include receiving an indication of whether one or more characteristics of the at least one measurement satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0162] The method can further comprise wherein the indication of whether one or more characteristics of the at least one measurement satisfy one or more criteria comprises an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0163] The method can further comprise receiving an indication of the determined measurement reporting mode.

[0164] The method can further comprise receiving at least one measurement with a different level of detail.

[0165] The method can further comprise determining the one or more criteria by implementing a mapping between accuracy or integrity requirements obtained from a location consumer and the one or more criteria.

[0166] The method can further comprise wherein the mapping is implemented via a lookup table or predefined rules.

[0167] The method can be performed by a location server.

[0168] The method can further comprise wherein the one or more criteria are provided via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a network node.

[0169] The method can further comprise wherein the network node is a gNB, a transmission and / or reception point, or a radio measurement node.

[0170] The method can further comprise wherein the one or more criteria are provided via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a user equipment (UE).

[0171] The method can further comprise wherein the measurement reporting mode comprises any of the following: not reporting the at least one measurement; reporting the at least one measurement related to one path; reporting the at least one measurement related to multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a strongest path of the multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a shortest path of the multiple paths; or reporting the at least one measurement related to a number of paths that the device is able to measure or report.

[0172] The method can further comprise wherein the one or more criteria relate to at least one of the following: presence of at least one line of sight path; strength associated with the at least one line of sight path; number of measured paths; observed path delay; capability of the device to receive the one or more criteria; or whether at least one piece of evidence indicating uncertainty of quality of the at least one measurement is identified.

[0173] The method can further comprise: wherein, if the one or more criteria relate to evidence of an uncertainty in a quality of the at least one measurement, the evidence comprises one or more of a noise peak, interference, or an authentication problem.

[0174] The method can further comprise: providing an update of the one or more criteria.

[0175] The method can further comprise: wherein the one or more criteria vary depending on a positioning method to be applied.

[0176] The method can further comprise: wherein the at least one measurement relates to a sounding reference signal or a positioning reference signal.

[0177] An example apparatus comprising: at least one processor; at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving, from a location server, one or more criteria relating to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for a position estimate; receiving a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; performing the at least one measurement based on the measurement request; determining whether the at least one measurement meets the one or more criteria; and determining a measurement reporting mode based on whether the at least one measurement meets the one or more criteria.

[0178] The apparatus can further comprise: wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving, from the location server, the measurement reporting mode as specified; reporting the at least one measurement based on the measurement reporting mode; and providing an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions meeting the one or more criteria.

[0179] The apparatus can further comprise: wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: providing an indication of whether the one or more characteristics of the at least one measurement meet the received one or more criteria.

[0180] The apparatus can further comprise: wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: reporting based on the determined measurement reporting mode.

[0181] The apparatus can further comprise: wherein reporting comprises not reporting at least a portion of the at least one measurement.

[0182] The apparatus can further comprise: wherein reporting comprises reporting the at least one measurement with different levels of detail.

[0183] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to provide an indication of the determined measurement reporting mode to a location server or some other entity.

[0184] The apparatus can further include wherein the apparatus is a user equipment, a radio node, or a transmission and / or reception point.

[0185] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria are received via a positioning protocol when the node implementing the at least one measurement is a network node.

[0186] The apparatus can further include wherein the network node is a gNB, a transmission and / or reception point, or a radio measurement node.

[0187] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria are received via a positioning protocol when the node implementing the at least one measurement is a user equipment (UE).

[0188] The apparatus can further include wherein the measurement reporting mode includes any of the following: not reporting the at least one measurement; reporting the at least one measurement related to one path; reporting the at least one measurement related to multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a strongest path of the multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a shortest path of the multiple paths; or reporting the at least one measurement related to a number of paths the device is able to measure or report.

[0189] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria relate to at least one of the following: existence of at least one line of sight path; strength associated with the at least one line of sight path; number of measured paths; observed path delay; capability of the device to receive the one or more criteria; or whether at least one piece of evidence indicating uncertainty in quality of the at least one measurement is identified.

[0190] The apparatus can further include wherein if the one or more criteria relate to evidence indicating uncertainty in quality of the at least one measurement, the evidence includes one or more of a noise peak, interference, or authentication problem.

[0191] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive an update of the one or more criteria from a location server.

[0192] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria vary depending on a positioning method to be applied.

[0193] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one measurement relates to a sounding reference signal or a positioning reference signal.

[0194] The apparatus can further include wherein determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria comprises determining whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0195] An example apparatus comprising at least one processor; at least one non-transitory memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform providing one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for position estimation; providing a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; and receiving or not receiving at least a portion of the at least one measurement.

[0196] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform providing a measurement reporting mode; and receiving an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0197] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform receiving an indication of whether the one or more characteristics of the at least one measurement satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0198] The apparatus can further include wherein the indication of whether the one or more characteristics of the at least one measurement satisfy the one or more criteria comprises an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0199] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform receiving an indication of the determined measurement reporting mode.

[0200] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform receiving the at least one measurement with different levels of detail.

[0201] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform determining the one or more criteria by implementing a mapping between accuracy or integrity requirements obtained from a location consumer and the one or more criteria.

[0202] The apparatus can further include wherein the mapping is implemented via a lookup table or predefined rules.

[0203] The apparatus can further include wherein the apparatus is a location server.

[0204] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria are provided via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a network node.

[0205] The apparatus can further include wherein the network node is a gNB, a transmission and / or reception point, or a radio measurement node.

[0206] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria are provided via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a user equipment (UE).

[0207] The apparatus can further include wherein the measurement reporting mode includes any of the following: not reporting the at least one measurement; reporting the at least one measurement related to one path; reporting the at least one measurement related to multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a strongest path of the multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a shortest path of the multiple paths; or reporting the at least one measurement related to a number of paths that the device is able to measure or report.

[0208] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria relate to at least one of the following: a presence of at least one line of sight path; a strength associated with the at least one line of sight path; a number of measured paths; an observed path delay; a capability of the device to receive the one or more criteria; or whether at least one piece of evidence indicating an uncertainty of a quality of the at least one measurement is identified.

[0209] The apparatus can further include wherein if the one or more criteria relate to the piece of evidence indicating the uncertainty of the quality of the at least one measurement, the piece of evidence includes one or more of a noise peak, an interference, or an authentication issue.

[0210] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform providing an update of the one or more criteria.

[0211] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria vary depending on a positioning method to be applied.

[0212] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one measurement relates to a sounding reference signal or a positioning reference signal.

[0213] An example machine-readable non-transitory program storage device, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine for performing operations, can be provided. The operations can include receiving, from a location server, one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for a location estimate; receiving a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; performing the at least one measurement based on the measurement request; determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria; and determining a measurement reporting mode based on whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria.

[0214] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations further include receiving, from the location server, a specified measurement reporting mode; reporting the at least one measurement based on the measurement reporting mode; and providing an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0215] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations further include providing an indication of whether the one or more characteristics of the at least one measurement satisfy the received one or more criteria.

[0216] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations further include reporting based on the determined measurement reporting mode.

[0217] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein reporting includes not reporting at least a portion of the at least one measurement.

[0218] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein reporting includes reporting the at least one measurement with different levels of detail.

[0219] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations further include providing an indication of the determined measurement reporting mode to the location server or some other entity.

[0220] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations are performed by a user equipment, a radio node, or a transmission and / or reception point.

[0221] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the one or more criteria are received via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a network node.

[0222] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the network node is a gNB, a transmission and / or reception point, or a radio measurement node.

[0223] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the one or more criteria are received via a positioning protocol when the node taking the at least one measurement is a user equipment (UE).

[0224] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the measurement report mode includes any of: not reporting the at least one measurement; reporting the at least one measurement related to one path; reporting the at least one measurement related to multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a strongest path of the multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a shortest path of the multiple paths; or reporting the at least one measurement related to a number of paths the device is able to measure or report.

[0225] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the one or more criteria relate to at least one of: a presence of at least one line of sight path; a strength associated with the at least one line of sight path; a number of paths measured; an observed path delay; a capability of the device to receive the one or more criteria; or whether at least one piece of evidence indicating an uncertainty in a quality of the at least one measurement is identified.

[0226] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein if the one or more criteria relate to the evidence indicating the uncertainty in the quality of the at least one measurement, the evidence includes one or more of a noise spike, interference, or an authentication issue.

[0227] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations further include receiving an update of the one or more criteria from a location server.

[0228] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the one or more criteria vary depending on a positioning method to be applied.

[0229] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the at least one measurement relates to a sounding reference signal or a positioning reference signal.

[0230] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria includes determining whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0231] An example machine-readable non-transitory program storage device, tangibly embodying a program of machine-executable instructions, can be provided for performing operations including providing one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for position estimation; providing a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; and receiving or not receiving at least a portion of the at least one measurement.

[0232] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations further comprise providing a measurement reporting mode; and receiving an indication of whether at least one measurement is performed under conditions that satisfy one or more criteria.

[0233] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations further comprise receiving an indication of whether one or more characteristics of at least one measurement satisfy one or more criteria.

[0234] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the indication of whether one or more characteristics of at least one measurement satisfy one or more criteria comprises an indication of whether at least one measurement is performed under conditions that satisfy one or more criteria.

[0235] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations further comprise receiving an indication of the determined measurement reporting mode.

[0236] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations further comprise receiving at least one measurement with a different level of detail.

[0237] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations further comprise determining the one or more criteria by implementing a mapping between accuracy or integrity requirements obtained from a location consumer and the one or more criteria.

[0238] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the mapping is implemented via a lookup table or predefined rules.

[0239] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations are performed by a location server.

[0240] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the one or more criteria are provided via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a network node.

[0241] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the network node is a gNB, a transmission and / or reception point, or a radio measurement node.

[0242] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the one or more criteria are provided via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a user equipment (UE).

[0243] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the measurement reporting mode includes any of: not reporting the at least one measurement; reporting the at least one measurement related to one path; reporting the at least one measurement related to multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a strongest path of the multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a shortest path of the multiple paths; or reporting the at least one measurement related to a number of paths that the device is capable of measuring or reporting.

[0244] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the one or more criteria relate to at least one of: a presence of at least one line of sight path; a strength associated with the at least one line of sight path; a number of measured paths; an observed path delay; a capability of the device to receive the one or more criteria; or whether at least one piece of evidence indicating an uncertainty in a quality of the at least one measurement is identified.

[0245] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein if the one or more criteria relate to the evidence indicating the uncertainty in the quality of the at least one measurement, the evidence includes one or more of a noise spike, an interference, or an authentication issue.

[0246] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the operations further include providing an update of the one or more criteria.

[0247] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the one or more criteria vary depending on a positioning method to be applied.

[0248] The non-transitory program storage device can further include wherein the at least one measurement relates to a sounding reference signal or a positioning reference signal.

[0249] An example apparatus includes means for receiving, from a location server, one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for a position estimate; means for receiving a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; means for performing the at least one measurement based on the measurement request; means for determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria; and means for determining a measurement reporting mode based on whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria.

[0250] The apparatus can further include means for receiving, from the location server, the measurement reporting mode as specified; means for reporting the at least one measurement based on the measurement reporting mode; and means for providing an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions satisfying the one or more criteria.

[0251] The apparatus can further include means for providing an indication of whether one or more characteristics of at least one measurement satisfy the received one or more criteria.

[0252] The apparatus can further include means for reporting based on the determined measurement reporting mode.

[0253] The apparatus can further include wherein reporting comprises not reporting at least a portion of the at least one measurement.

[0254] The apparatus can further include wherein reporting comprises reporting the at least one measurement with different levels of detail.

[0255] The apparatus can further include means for providing an indication of the determined measurement reporting mode to a location server or some other entity.

[0256] The apparatus can further include wherein the apparatus is a user equipment, a radio node, or a transmission and / or reception point.

[0257] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria are received via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a network node.

[0258] The apparatus can further include wherein the network node is a gNB, a transmission and / or reception point, or a radio measurement node.

[0259] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria are received via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a user equipment (UE).

[0260] The apparatus can further include wherein the measurement reporting mode comprises any of the following: not reporting the at least one measurement; reporting the at least one measurement related to one path; reporting the at least one measurement related to multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a strongest path of multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a shortest path of multiple paths; or reporting the at least one measurement related to a number of paths that the device is able to measure or report.

[0261] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria relate to at least one of the following: a presence of at least one line-of-sight path; a strength associated with at least one line-of-sight path; a number of measured paths; an observed path delay; a capability of the device to receive the one or more criteria; or whether at least one piece of evidence indicating an uncertainty in a quality of the at least one measurement is identified.

[0262] The apparatus can further include wherein the evidence comprises one or more of a noise peak, interference, or authentication issues if the one or more criteria relate to evidence of a quality of at least one measurement.

[0263] The apparatus can further include means for receiving an update of the one or more criteria from a location server.

[0264] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria vary depending on a positioning method to be applied.

[0265] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one measurement relates to a sounding reference signal or a positioning reference signal.

[0266] The apparatus can further include wherein determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria comprises determining whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0267] An example apparatus comprising means for providing one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for position estimation; means for providing a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; and means for receiving or not receiving at least a portion of the at least one measurement.

[0268] The apparatus can further include means for providing a measurement reporting mode; and means for receiving an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0269] The apparatus can further include means for receiving an indication of whether one or more characteristics of the at least one measurement satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0270] The apparatus can further include wherein the indication of whether one or more characteristics of the at least one measurement satisfy the one or more criteria comprises an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0271] The apparatus can further include means for receiving an indication of a determined measurement reporting mode.

[0272] The apparatus can further include means for receiving the at least one measurement with different levels of detail.

[0273] The apparatus can further include means for determining the one or more criteria by implementing a mapping between accuracy or integrity requirements obtained from a location consumer and the one or more criteria.

[0274] The apparatus can further include wherein the mapping is implemented via a lookup table or predefined rules.

[0275] The apparatus can further include wherein the apparatus is a location server.

[0276] The apparatus can further include wherein when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a network node, the one or more criteria are provided via a positioning protocol.

[0277] The apparatus can further include wherein the network node is a gNB, a transmission and / or reception point, or a radio measurement node.

[0278] The apparatus can further include wherein when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a user equipment (UE), the one or more criteria are provided via a positioning protocol.

[0279] The apparatus can further include wherein the measurement reporting mode includes any of: not reporting the at least one measurement; reporting the at least one measurement related to one path; reporting the at least one measurement related to multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a strongest path of the multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a shortest path of the multiple paths; or reporting the at least one measurement related to a number of paths that the device is able to measure or report.

[0280] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria relate to at least one of: a presence of at least one line of sight path; a strength associated with the at least one line of sight path; a number of measured paths; an observed path delay; a capability of the device to receive the one or more criteria; or whether at least one piece of evidence indicating uncertainty in quality of the at least one measurement is identified.

[0281] The apparatus can further include wherein if the one or more criteria relate to the piece of evidence indicating uncertainty in quality of the at least one measurement, the piece of evidence includes one or more of a noise peak, interference, or an authentication issue.

[0282] The apparatus can further include means for providing an update to the one or more criteria.

[0283] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria vary depending on a positioning method to be applied.

[0284] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one measurement relates to a sounding reference signal or a positioning reference signal.

[0285] An example apparatus comprising: processing circuitry; and memory circuitry comprising computer program code, the memory circuitry and computer program code configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: receive, from a location server, one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for a location estimate; receive a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; perform the at least one measurement based on the measurement request; determine whether the at least one measurement meets the one or more criteria; and determine a measurement reporting mode based on whether the at least one measurement meets the one or more criteria.

[0286] The apparatus can further comprise wherein the memory circuitry and computer program code are further configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: receive, from the location server, the measurement reporting mode as specified; report the at least one measurement based on the measurement reporting mode; and provide an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that meet the one or more criteria. The apparatus can further comprise wherein the memory circuitry and computer program code are further configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: provide an indication of whether the one or more characteristics of the at least one measurement meet the one or more received criteria.

[0287] The apparatus can further comprise wherein the memory circuitry and computer program code are further configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: report based on the determined measurement reporting mode. The apparatus can further comprise wherein the reporting comprises not reporting at least a portion of the at least one measurement.

[0288] The apparatus can further comprise wherein the reporting comprises reporting the at least one measurement with different levels of detail. The apparatus can further comprise wherein the memory circuitry and computer program code are further configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: provide an indication of the determined measurement reporting mode to the location server or some other entity.

[0289] The apparatus can further comprise wherein the apparatus is a user equipment, a radio node, or a transmission and / or reception point. The apparatus can further comprise wherein the one or more criteria are received via a positioning protocol when the node performing the at least one measurement is a network node.

[0290] The apparatus can further comprise wherein the network node is a gNB, a transmission and / or reception point, or a radio measurement node. The apparatus can further comprise wherein the one or more criteria are received via a positioning protocol when the node performing the at least one measurement is a user equipment (UE).

[0291] The apparatus can further include wherein the measurement report mode includes any of: not reporting the at least one measurement; reporting the at least one measurement related to one path; reporting the at least one measurement related to multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a strongest path of the multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a shortest path of the multiple paths; or reporting the at least one measurement related to a number of paths that the device is able to measure or report.

[0292] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria relate to at least one of: presence of at least one line of sight path; strength associated with the at least one line of sight path; number of measured paths; observed path delay; capability of the device to receive the one or more criteria; or whether at least one piece of evidence indicating uncertainty in quality of the at least one measurement is identified.

[0293] The apparatus can further include wherein if the one or more criteria relate to evidence indicating uncertainty in quality of the at least one measurement, the evidence includes one or more of a noise peak, interference, or authentication issue.

[0294] The apparatus can further include wherein the memory circuitry and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: receive an update of the one or more criteria from a location server.

[0295] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria vary depending on a positioning method to be applied. The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one measurement relates to a sounding reference signal or a positioning reference signal. The apparatus can further include wherein determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria includes determining whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0296] An example apparatus comprising: processing circuitry; and memory circuitry including computer program code, the memory circuitry and the computer program code configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: provide one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for position estimation; provide a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; and receive or not receive at least a portion of the at least one measurement.

[0297] The apparatus can further include wherein the memory circuitry and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: provide a measurement reporting mode; and receive an indication of whether at least one measurement is performed under conditions that meet one or more criteria. The apparatus can further include wherein the memory circuitry and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: receive an indication of whether one or more characteristics of at least one measurement meet one or more criteria.

[0298] The apparatus can further include wherein the indication of whether one or more characteristics of at least one measurement meet one or more criteria comprises an indication of whether at least one measurement is performed under conditions that meet one or more criteria. The apparatus can further include wherein the memory circuitry and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: receive an indication of a determined measurement reporting mode.

[0299] The apparatus can further include wherein the memory circuitry and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: receive at least one measurement with different levels of detail.

[0300] The apparatus can further include wherein the memory circuitry and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to: determine the one or more criteria by implementing a mapping between accuracy or integrity requirements obtained from a location consumer and the one or more criteria.

[0301] The apparatus can further include wherein the mapping is implemented via a lookup table or predefined rules.

[0302] The apparatus can further include wherein the apparatus is a location server.

[0303] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria are provided via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a network node.

[0304] The apparatus can further include wherein the network node is a gNB, a transmission and / or reception point, or a radio measurement node.

[0305] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria are provided via a positioning protocol when the node that implements the at least one measurement is a user equipment (UE).

[0306] The apparatus can further include wherein the measurement report mode comprises any of: not reporting the at least one measurement; reporting the at least one measurement related to one path; reporting the at least one measurement related to multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a strongest path of the multiple paths; reporting the at least one measurement related to a shortest path of the multiple paths; or reporting the at least one measurement related to a number of paths the device is able to measure or report.

[0307] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria relate to at least one of: presence of at least one line of sight path; strength associated with the at least one line of sight path; number of measured paths; observed path delay; capability of the device to receive the one or more criteria; or whether at least one piece of evidence indicating uncertainty in quality of the at least one measurement is identified.

[0308] The apparatus can further include wherein if the one or more criteria relate to evidence indicating uncertainty in quality of the at least one measurement, the evidence comprises one or more of a noise spike, interference, or authentication issue. The apparatus can further include wherein the memory circuitry and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processing circuitry, enable the apparatus to provide an update of the one or more criteria.

[0309] The apparatus can further include wherein the one or more criteria vary depending on a positioning method to be applied.

[0310] The apparatus can further include wherein the at least one measurement relates to a sounding reference signal or a positioning reference signal.

[0311] An example network includes at least one apparatus described herein, including Figure 6 the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 any of the apparatuses depicted in

[0312] An example network includes a non-transitory program storage device as described herein, including for execution of Figure 6 the computer program code 606 shown in Figure 1 the modules of

[0313] An example method includes receiving, from a location server, one or more criteria related to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement for a location estimate, receiving a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement, performing the at least one measurement based on the measurement request, determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria, and receiving a measurement reporting mode as specified from the location server. The method can further include reporting the at least one measurement based on the measurement reporting mode, and providing an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

[0314] It is to be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative. Various alternatives and modifications can be practiced. For example, features described in various dependent claims can be combined with each other in any suitable combination. Additionally, features from different embodiments described above can be selectively combined into new embodiments. Accordingly, the description is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for communication, comprising: Receive one or more criteria from the location server relating to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement used for location estimation; Receive a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; Based on the measurement request, perform the at least one measurement; Determine whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria; as well as If the location server does not specify a measurement reporting mode, the measurement reporting mode is determined based on whether the at least one measurement meets one or more criteria. The one or more criteria are related to at least one of the following: At least one line of sight is present; The intensity associated with the at least one line-of-sight path; The number of paths measured; and The observed path delay.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive the specified measurement report pattern from the location server; Report the at least one measurement based on the measurement reporting mode; as well as Provides an indication of whether the at least one measurement is performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

3. A method for communication, comprising: Provide one or more criteria relating to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement used for location estimation; Provide a measurement request for performing the at least one of the measurements; as well as To receive or not receive at least a portion of the at least one measurement, The one or more criteria are related to at least one of the following: At least one line of sight is present; The intensity associated with the at least one line-of-sight path; The number of paths measured; and The observed path delay.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: Provides measurement report modes; as well as Receive an indication of whether the at least one measurement is performed under the condition that one or more criteria are met.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising: Receive an indication of whether the one or more characteristics of the at least one measurement meet the one or more criteria.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The indication of whether the at least one measurement or one characteristic satisfies the one or more criteria includes an indication of whether the at least one measurement was performed under the condition that the one or more criteria are satisfied.

7. The method according to claim 3, performed by a location server.

8. The method according to claim 3, wherein, When the node performing the at least one measurement is a user equipment (UE), the one or more criteria are provided via a positioning protocol.

9. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The one or more criteria are further related to at least one of the following: The device's ability to receive one or more of the criteria; and Whether at least one piece of evidence indicating uncertainty in the quality of the at least one measurement is identified.

10. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one measurement is related to a detection reference signal or a positioning reference signal.

11. An apparatus for communication, comprising: A component for receiving from a location server one or more criteria relating to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement used for location estimation; A component for receiving a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; A component for performing the at least one measurement based on the measurement request; Components for determining whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria; as well as A component for determining a measurement reporting mode based on whether at least one measurement meets one or more criteria when the location server does not specify a measurement reporting mode. The one or more criteria are related to at least one of the following: At least one line of sight is present; The intensity associated with the at least one line-of-sight path; The number of paths measured; and The observed path delay.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: Components for receiving the specified measurement report pattern from the location server; A component used to report the at least one measurement based on the measurement reporting mode; as well as A component for providing an indication of whether the at least one measurement is performed under conditions that satisfy the one or more criteria.

13. An apparatus for communication, comprising: A component for providing one or more criteria relating to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement used for location estimation; A component for providing a measurement request to perform the at least one of the measurements; as well as Components for receiving or not receiving at least a portion of the at least one measurement. The one or more criteria are related to at least one of the following: At least one line of sight is present; The intensity associated with the at least one line-of-sight path; The number of paths measured; and The observed path delay.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: Components used to provide measurement report modes; as well as A component for receiving an indication of whether the at least one measurement is performed under conditions that satisfy one or more criteria.

15. A method for communication, comprising: Receive one or more criteria from the location server relating to one or more characteristics of at least one measurement used for location estimation; Receive a measurement request to perform the at least one measurement; Based on the measurement request, perform the at least one measurement; Determine whether the at least one measurement satisfies the one or more criteria; and receiving a specified measurement report pattern from the location server, wherein the one or more criteria relate to at least one of the following: At least one line of sight is present; The intensity associated with the at least one line-of-sight path; The number of paths measured; and The observed path delay.

Images